WALT39

Q2. (Colossians 3:20-21) In what way does obedience prepare a child for everyday life in the future? For spiritual life in the future? What can fathers do to keep from discouraging their children? Colossians 3:20-21 - 20Children, obey your parents in everything, for this pleases the Lord. 21Fathers, do not embitter your children, or they will become discouraged. A child needs to know right from wrong and as parents, we should have learned this from our own parents. Parents are the foundation and need to demonstrate by their own actions how their children should live. They must set the example. A child will become an adult and must live in this world, both as an earthly being, but as well as a spiritual being. God is our heavenly Parent and we must obey Him. Both parents must encourage their children and not tear them down with insults because those insults will impact them for their adult life and that will carry over to their children.

Q1. (Colossians 3:18-19) Why do you think Paul chose these directions to give to wives and husbands -- considering all the things he could have said? Why is true submission difficult for wives? Why is unselfish love difficult for husbands? What prompts harshness in a husband? Is the cause inner or outer? Colossians 3:18-19 - 18Wives, submit to your husbands, as is fitting in the Lord. 19Husbands, love your wives and do not be harsh with them. Jesus believed strongly in marriage. The cornerstone of a marriage is centered around Jesus Christ. Jesus said in Matthew 18:20, "For where two or three come together in my name, there am I with them." This is evidence that Jesus is there in the midst of the marriage. I think that Paul wrote these instructions in order that both the wife and husband needs Jesus in their lives and ultimately release their marriage to Jesus. They both must be servants to Jesus. The problem is that a couples want to do their own thing and therefore they have difficulty submitting and they then become harsh with each other.

Q4. (Colossians 3:12-14) Why are Christian virtues so important to Christ? Why are they so important to the church? Why are they so important to non-Christians? Why are they so important in our homes? Colossians 3:12-14 - 12Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. 13Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. 14And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity. Why are Christian virtues so important to Christ? Simply, because He loves us and He wants us to be His servants. Why are they so important to the church? The church represents Christ and we, as the church, must show the world that Jesus is truly the Savior and we have a mission to be servants to the world, whether it is in our neighbors or abroad. Why are they so important to non-Christians? To show them that Jesus is truly the Son of God and that they should ask Jesus into their lives. Why are they so important in our homes? Our families must experience God

Q3. (Colossians 3:8) Why are sins of the tongue so easy to slip into? In what ways do they damage us and others? How can we break free of sins of the tongue? Colossians 3:8 - But now you must rid yourselves of all such things as these: anger, rage, malice, slander, and filthy language from your lips. Why are sins of the tongue so easy to slip into? When we get angry and emotions are not held in check, the tongue will get disconnected from our brain and then we may say the wrong thing. In James 3:4-6, it describes the danger of one's tongue. The Scripture is as follows: 4Or take ships as an example. Although they are so large and are driven by strong winds, they are steered by a very small rudder wherever the pilot wants to go. 5Likewise the tongue is a small part of the body, but it makes great boasts. Consider what a great forest is set on fire by a small spark. 6The tongue also is a fire, a world of evil among the parts of the body. It corrupts the whole person, sets the whole course of his life on fire, and is itself set on fire by hell. In what ways do they damage us and others? The damage is done to others by hurting them and possibility injuring them emotionally and mentally. For the one who is sinning, it will be damaging to one's reputation and also you will be separated from God. How can we break free of sins of the tongue? By confessing your sin to God and asking forgiveness from the people that you injured as soon as you do it. I know from experience, when I get frustrated and swear, I immediately ask Jesus for forgiveness and I am learning to control the 'wagging' tongue.

Q2. (Colossians 3:5) Why is sexual **** so difficult for people, especially males? Though we cannot deny that we are sexual beings, how can we keep sexual desire from controlling us and causing us to sin? Colossians 3:5 - 3For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God. 4When Christ, who is your[a] life, appears, then you also will appear with him in glory. 5Put to death, therefore, whatever belongs to your earthly nature: sexual immorality, impurity, ****, evil desires and greed, which is idolatry. Sexual desires and **** has always been in the world. Today, it seems more prevalent because of the instant media and the ability to watch it in your own home. Even legitimate questions can bring you to websites that are questionable. Also, the world tells you it is OK. If one is married, we must focus on our relationships and build one

Q1. (Colossians 3:1-2) What does it mean to "set your heart/mind" on the things above? Does this mean that we're "too heavenly minded to be of any earthly good"? If not, what does it mean? What happens when we don't take control and direct our thinking and meditating? Colossians 3:1-2 - 1Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God. 2Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. Since we are Christians and we believe, Paul is telling us that we must focus on Jesus in order to avoid the earthly temptations. As humans, it is easy to fall prey to the earthly temptations and if we do not redirect our thought, we will sin. As Pastor Ralph wrote in his commentary,

Q4. (Colossians 2:20-23) Why are legalism and asceticism unable to restrain the sinful nature? What alternative to legalism does Paul offer in Colossians 2? Colossians 2:20-23 - 20Since you died with Christ to the basic principles of this world, why, as though you still belonged to it, do you submit to its rules: 21"Do not handle! Do not taste! Do not touch!"? 22These are all destined to perish with use, because they are based on human commands and teachings. 23Such regulations indeed have an appearance of wisdom, with their self-imposed worship, their false humility and their harsh treatment of the body, but they lack any value in restraining sensual indulgence. Why are legalism and asceticism unable to restrain the sinful nature? It is based on human nature and human needs. What alternative to legalism does Paul offer in Colossians 2? Turn toward Jesus. Paul told the Colossians in chapter 2, verses 6-7,

Q3. (Colossians 2:13-15) How did forgiveness free us from the Law? What is the significance of nailing the Law to the cross? What does this symbolize? How did the cross bring triumph over evil spiritual forces? Colossians 2:13-15 - 13When you were dead in your sins and in the uncircumcision of your sinful nature, God made you alive with Christ. He forgave us all our sins, 14having canceled the written code, with its regulations, that was against us and that stood opposed to us; he took it away, nailing it to the cross. 15And having disarmed the powers and authorities, he made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them by the cross. How did forgiveness free us from the Law? Christ died for our sins and therefore it was fulfilled when He died on the cross What is the significance of nailing the Law to the cross? The prophesy for the Messiah was fulfilled when He died on the cross. What does this symbolize? Victory over death. How did the cross bring triumph over evil spiritual forces? Christ defeated Satan. Even though Christ fulfilled the prophesy by His dying, I believe that the Holy Spirit requires us to follow the Ten Commandment. Jesus told us in Matthew 22:36-37, 36"Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?" 37Jesus replied: "'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.' By following the greatest commandment, we will automatically would be following all of commandments

Q2. (Colossians 2:9-10) What does verse 9 teach about Christ's full divinity? In what sense are we "complete" or "come to fullness" in Christ? What does this mean? Why do we sometimes fail to understand this fullness? Colossians 2:9-10 - 9For in Christ all the fullness of the Deity lives in bodily form, 10and you have been given fullness in Christ, who is the head over every power and authority. What does verse 9 teach about Christ's full divinity? In John 1:14, it states "The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us." This tells us that Jesus is God and He came to us as a person. In what sense are we "complete" or "come to fullness" in Christ? As we learn more about Jesus, we will become more like Him and as Pastor Ralph wrote in his commentary, we will be gradually restored by the Spirit to our full glory . What does this mean? If we believe, Jesus will be with us, now and forever. What a wonderful friend to have. Why do we sometimes fail to understand this fullness? We hear the noise around and we let our guard down and we sometime fail to listen to our Saviour. Fortunately, we can ask for forgiveness and He will listen.

Q1. (Colossians 2:8) Philosophy refers to a prevailing belief system. How can a belief system be empty and false? Have you ever personally experienced being captivated by a belief system only to find it deceptive and hollow? Colossians 2:8 - 8See to it that no one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy, which depends on human tradition and the basic principles of this world rather than on Christ. In a commentary that I was reading, it stated that "Paul was counteracting the Colossian heresy, which, in part, taught that for salvation one needed to combine faith in Christ with secret knowledge and with human regulations concerning such physical and external practices as circumcision, eating and drinking, and observance of religious festivals." (Source-Barker, Kenneth L. Zondervan NIV Study Bible. 1850. Grand Rapids: Zondervan,

Q4. (Colossians 2:2-3) In what sense are "all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge" hidden in Christ? What does that mean? Colossians 2:2-3 - 2My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love, so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding, in order that they may know the mystery of God, namely, Christ, 3in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. Christ has all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. As Christians, we can receive that wisdom and knowledge from Jesus by believing in Him. We must be careful who are our teachers since we must hear the Word. In 1 Timothy 3: 14-18, "14But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have become convinced of, because you know those from whom you learned it, 15and how from infancy you have known the holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. 16All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, 17so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work." When we are fully equipped, we will have revealed to us all of the treasures.

Q3. (Colossians 1:28-2:1) What is the purpose of Paul's labors according to verse 28? What does "perfect in Christ" mean? How does Paul accomplish this goal? In what way is he "struggling" for them? Colossians 1:28-2:1 - 28We proclaim him, admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom, so that we may present everyone perfect in Christ. 29To this end I labor, struggling with all his energy, which so powerfully works in me. 1I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea, and for all who have not met me personally. What is the purpose of Paul's labors according to verse 28? He wanted to bring all Christians to have maturity in Jesus. What does "perfect in Christ" mean? The more that we understand about Jesus and we accept Him, the closer we will get to Him How does Paul accomplish this goal? Teaching and admonishing In what way is he "struggling" for them? He is praying for them as described in Colossians 4:12, "...He is always wrestling in prayer for you, that you may stand firm in all the will of God, mature and fully assured."

Q2. (Colossians 1:26-27) What is the mystery that Paul talks about? In what sense was, "Christ in you, the hope of glory," hidden prior to this? In what sense is "glory" used here? What does "the hope of glory" mean in this context? Colossians 1:26-27 - 26the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations, but is now disclosed to the saints. 27To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory. What is the mystery that Paul talks about? The mystery is sharing the Good News with all people and will be reveal to them who believe. In what sense was, "Christ in you, the hope of glory," hidden prior to this? Until we believe, we will not understand the power of Christ in each of us. In what sense is "glory" used here? We will share in the glory of Christ. What does "the hope of glory" mean in this context? As believers, we will have Christ within us and we will experience His glory both here and when we meet Him in heaven.

Q1. (Colossians 1:24) How could Paul's sufferings in prison complete what is lacking in Christ's afflictions? Is Paul referring to Christ's sufferings on the cross? Or is he seeing suffering in some kind of cosmic sense? If so, in what sense are your sufferings for Christ of value to the church? Colossians 1:24 - Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you, and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christ's afflictions, for the sake of his body, which is the church. Christ's suffering on the cross was complete. I believe that this means that we all can suffer when we proclaim the Gospel. Some will experience suffering like Paul. As an American, most of us will not suffer as much as others in the world where Christians are still be persecuted. As Pastor Ralph wrote in his commentary, "There's also a sense in which we are united with Christ in our sufferings. We share in his sufferings; our sufferings are a part of his."

Q4. (Colossians 1:23) If our salvation depends upon the grace of God, not us, why is it necessary for us to "continue in your faith, established and firm, not moved"? What happens if we don't? What is the nature of the security we have in Jesus according to this text (and this text only*)? Colossians 1:23 - if you continue in your faith, established and firm, not moved from the hope held out in the gospel. This is the gospel that you heard and that has been proclaimed to every creature under heaven, and of which I, Paul, have become a servant. If our salvation depends upon the grace of God, not us, why is it necessary for us to "continue in your faith, established and firm, not moved"? By remembering the Gospel and believing in Christ, we will be steadfast in our faith and be able to defend ourselves from the assault of the wrong information and events of our lives. What happens if we don't? We will sin and move away from Christ. What is the nature of the security we have in Jesus according to this text (and this text only*)? Our salvation and ultimately our eternal life with Jesus.

Q3. (Colossians 1:22) How can we be presented "holy," "without blemish," and "free from accusation" since we are not perfect? How is this possible? Colossians 1:22 - But now he has reconciled you by Christ's physical body through death to present you holy in his sight, without blemish and free from accusation How can we be presented "holy," "without blemish," and "free from accusation" since we are not perfect? How is this possible? By believing in Jesus and asking Him for forgiveness of our sins.

Q2. (Colossians 1:20-22) By what means did Jesus accomplish this reconciliation? What does "the blood of his cross" have to do with it? What is the purpose of this reconciliation? (verse 22) To whom are we "presented?" (verse 22) Colossians 1:20-22 - 20and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether things on earth or things in heaven, by making peace through his blood, shed on the cross. 21Once you were alienated from God and were enemies in your minds because of your evil behavior. 22But now he has reconciled you by Christ's physical body through death to present you holy in his sight, without blemish and free from accusation

Q1. (Colossians 1:20-22). What does "reconcile" mean? What was our state before reconciliation? (verse 21) Colossians 1:20-22 - 20and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether things on earth or things in heaven, by making peace through his blood, shed on the cross. 21Once you were alienated from God and were enemies in your minds because of your evil behavior. 22But now he has reconciled you by Christ's physical body through death to present you holy in his sight, without blemish and free from accusation What does "reconcile" mean? To reestablish a close relationship between; To settle or resolve; To bring (oneself) to accept; To make compatible or consistent; To reestablish a close relationship (per www.thefreedictionary.com) What was our state before reconciliation? (verse 21) - We were alienated from God because of our sinfulness.

Q4. (Colossians 1:18) How should the assertion that Jesus is the "head of the body, the church" affect the way we conceive of the church? Is he talking about the universal church or a local congregation, or both? If we believe that Jesus is the head of the church, how should that affect the way we conduct our life and ministry as the church? In what ways does the visible church represent the "head"? How well do we as the body follow his leadership? Colossians 1:18 - 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. How should the assertion that Jesus is the "head of the body, the church" affect the way we conceive of the church? Is he talking about the universal church or a local congregation, or both? If we believe that Jesus is the head of the church, how should that affect the way we conduct our life and ministry as the church? In what ways does the visible church represent the "head"? How well do we as the body follow his leadership? We should honor Jesus at all times as the "head of the body, the church" whether it is local or universal. We should allow Jesus to be our decision making through individual and church wide prayer. We should be able to trust Him in order to honor Him. Unfortunately our churches' decisions today are usually by committee or vote and the power of prayer is only for the opening and closing of the meeting. It is not easy, but some churches actually put Jesus first.

Q3. (Colossians 1:16) "Thrones," "powers," "rulers," "principalities," "authorities," etc. probably refer to both earthly as well as angelic and demonic dominions. What does this passage teach about the relation of these powers to Jesus? How should this affect our fear of them? How should it affect our prayers? Colossians 1:16 - For by him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things were created by him and for him "Thrones," "powers," "rulers," "principalities," "authorities," etc. probably refer to both earthly as well as angelic and demonic dominions. What does this passage teach about the relation of these powers to Jesus? How should this affect our fear of them? How should it affect our pray. In this Scripture, it is told to us that "all things were created by him and for him". Because all were created by Him, we should not fear them because God created them. Our prayers should be that these "thrones," "powers," "rulers," "principalities," "authorities," etc. be guided by God's will and not their will.

Q2. (Colossians 1:15b-17) What does "firstborn of all creation/every creature" mean? Is Jesus a created being? If not, what does "firstborn" mean here? What do verses 16-17 teach about Jesus' preexistence? What does verse 16b teach about the purpose of creation? According to verse 17, what is Jesus' past role in creation? What is his present role in creation? Colossians 1:15b-17 - the firstborn over all creation. For by him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things were created by him and for him. He is before all things, and in him all things hold together. What does "firstborn of all creation/every creature" mean? Is Jesus a created being? If not, what does "firstborn" mean here? Jesus is not the first created being, but He is over all created beings. He is God's Son and He has power over all. What do verses 16-17 teach about Jesus' preexistence? God was always in the creation. In Genesis 1:26, "Then God said, "Let us make man in our image, in our likeness,...." The word "us' must mean that there was someone else there, and therefore it must be His Son. What does verse 16b teach about the purpose of creation? All things were created by Him and through Him According to verse 17, what is Jesus' past role in creation? He is before all things What is his present role in creation? In Him all things hold together

Q1. (Colossians 1:15a, 19) The great understanding of Judaism was that God is spirit, not physical. That he is invisible. Any idol that tries to depict him is blasphemous. So what is the significance of the statement that Jesus is "the image of the invisible God"? According to verse 19, to what degree does this image accurately represent God? Is Jesus actually God in the flesh, or only a manifestation of God, a kind of holograph? Colossians 1:15a, 19 - 15aHe is the image of the invisible God; 19For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him The great understanding of Judaism was that God is spirit, not physical. That he is invisible. Any idol that tries to depict him is blasphemous. So what is the significance of the statement that Jesus is "the image of the invisible God"? Jesus was God's Son on earth and for the Jews, this could not be, because God is only a spirit to them. The Jews around Christ had to really believe that He was God's Son because they would have been shunned by their family and friends. According to verse 19, to what degree does this image accurately represent God? Perfectly, because it is written: FOR GOD WAS PLEASED Is Jesus actually God in the flesh, or only a manifestation of God, a kind of holograph? Jesus WAS NOT a manifestation of God.

Q5. (Colossians 1:13-14) What are the two qualities mentioned in verse 14 that characterize the "kingdom of his beloved Son"? What did the idea of redemption mean in the Greek? In what way did Christ "redeem" us? What is the significance of the fact that our sins are forgiven in this kingdom? Colossians 1:13-14 - For he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins. What are the two qualities mentioned in verse 14 that characterize the "kingdom of his beloved Son"? Redemption and Forgiveness What did the idea of redemption mean in the Greek? Originally the word meant, "buying back" a slave or captive, that is, "making free" by payment of a ransom. Here is means, "release from a captive condition, release, redemption, deliverance." In what way did Christ "redeem" us? He died for us. What is the significance of the fact that our sins are forgiven in this kingdom? We have received a free and complete pardon.

Q4. (Colossians 1:12-13) What are the three or four action verbs in verses 12 and 13 that paint a picture of salvation? Who performs the action? Who is it performed on? In what way were we "qualified/enabled/made meet"? In what way were we "rescued" or "delivered"? Colossians 1:12-13 - giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of the saints in the kingdom of light. For he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves, What are the three or four action verbs in verses 12 and 13 that paint a picture of salvation? Qualified, Rescued, Brought Who performs the action? God Who is it performed on? Us In what way were we "qualified/enabled/made meet"? God's grace In what way were we "rescued" or "delivered"? Salvation

Q3. (Colossians 1:12-13) Why does Paul use the terms darkness and light to portray his readers past and future? Why does he remind them where they came from? What is "the inheritance of the saints in light" that he mentions? In verse 13 we find two terms used of governing bodies? How are they contrasted in verse 13? In what sense are subjects "governed" in each? Colossians 1:12-13 - giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of the saints in the kingdom of light. For he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins. Why does Paul use the terms darkness and light to portray his readers past and future? Darkness pertains to Satan and Light refers to God and His Son, Jesus Christ. Why does he remind them where they came from? That is where their salvation came from. What is "the inheritance of the saints in light" that he mentions? We must listen, open our hearts and believe which will reveal Christ through the sacred word. By believing, we will be in the Light. In verse 13 we find two terms used of governing bodies? How are they contrasted in verse 13? In what sense are subjects "governed" in each? Dominion means power or earthly pleasure and being controlled by Satan as Kingdom refers to God which is light, love, redemption and forgiveness. The contrast is between darkness and light.