Bible Study Snacks - Colossians 4:1-18

Hi, everyone!

Happy Friday, and welcome to Bible Study Snacks! Thank you for joining me again as we walk together through the richness of God's spoken word, and wisdom. I pray that you had a great week, and that today finds you in good health, and strong in faith!

This week, we will finalize our study of the Book of Colossians. These studies are brief, yet packed full of good information for everyone regardless of your level of biblical knowledge. I might also add that these quick studies make perfect small group discussion starters!

As always, I whole-heartedly believe in the importance that any Bible study should begin with prayer. If you have your Bible ready, let us pray together...

"Heavenly father, please guide us as we study your Word today; I pray that our hearts and our minds will be open so that we will not only receive your Gospel, but learn from it as well; you are the Light of the world, Lord, and your Spirit will illuminate our path as we journey through your teachings. In the name of Jesus Christ, Our Lord and Savior. Amen"

If you are taking notes for yourself, or using this for a bible study with others, here are the objectives for this week's lesson...

OBJECTIVES: This week, the reader will...

1) Consider the importance of prayer, and proper conduct toward those who are not Christians.
2) Appreciate the value of God's "second string", those workers in the kingdom who assisted key players like Paul and contributed so much to the spread of the gospel.

For your convenience, here is a summary of this week's lesson, specifically Colossians 4:1-18

Paul concludes his section on "The Christian Solution" as an alternative to the heresies being proposed at Colosse with exhortations to prayer and proper conduct. His desire is that they devote themselves to prayer with vigilance and thanksgiving. A special request for prayer in his behalf is made, that God might give him an open door for the word of God, and that he might make the mystery of Christ known. Their own conduct is to be with wisdom toward outsiders, making good use of their time. This includes speaking with grace, knowing how one ought to answer others (Colossians 4:1-6).

Paul then mentions several companions, starting with Tychicus and Onesimus who were evidently the messengers of this epistle, and who would inform them of Paul's circumstances. Special greetings are also sent from the brethren with Paul. These included three Jewish brethren (Aristarchus, Mark, Jesus called Justus), a brother who was from Colosse (Epaphras), a beloved physician (Luke), and one we know from another epistle (Demas, cf. 2 Timothy 4:9) who later forsook Paul (Colossians 4:7-14).

Finally, greetings are sent to those in Laodicea and the church meeting in the home of Nymphas, along with a charge to exchange epistles with the church in Laodicea. With a final exhortation (calling) for Archippus to fulfill his ministry, Paul signs off using his personal signature, asking that they remember his chains, and praying for grace on their behalf (Colossians 4:15-18).

REVIEW QUESTIONS:

1) In calling them to earnest prayer, what four things does Paul ask of them? (Colossians 4:2-4)
2) How were they to walk? (Colossians 4:5)
3) How were they to speak? (Colossians 4:6)
4) How is Tychicus described?  Why was Paul sending him? (Colossians 4:7-8)
5) How is Onesimus describe?  What was Paul sending him? (Colossians 4:9)
6) What three men were Paul's only fellow workers for the kingdom of God who were of the circumcision, i.e. Jews? (Colossians 4:10-11)
7) What is said about Epaphras in relation to the churches in Colosse, Laodicea, and Hierapolis? (Colossians 4:12-13)
8) Who else sends greetings? (Colossians 4:14)
9) To what two groups does Paul send greetings? (Colossians 4:15)
10) What was to be done with the epistle after it had been read to the church? (Colossians 4:16)
11) What was to be done with an epistle coming from Laodicea? (Colossians 4:16)
12) What special charge does Paul tell them to give to Archippus? (Colossians 4:17)
13)  How does Paul confirm that this epistle was from him? (Colossians 4:18)
14) What final request does Paul ask of the Colossians? (Colossians 4:18)
15) What final prayer does Paul offer in behalf of the brethren? (Colossians 4:18)

After completing this week's study, I encourage you to go back and read through the material again. Take your time and read each topic and scripture reference as many times as you feel necessary. Keep in mind that by doing this, you just might see something new that you overlooked the first time around!

I hope that you have enjoyed this study, and will continue to faithfully study God's Word. Until our next time together...

God bless you!

Sheri