These small group studies of Colossians 2 contain outlines, cross-references, Bible study discussion questions, and applications. Visit our library of inductive Bible studies for more in depth inductive studies on this and other books of the Bible you can use in your small group.
Colossians 2 Bible Study Guide – Growing In Christ
Colossians 2:1-10 Bible Study Video
Colossians 2:1-10 Podcast
Outline
I. Growing in knowledge in Christ (1-3)
II. Standing firm against deception (4-9)
I. Growing in knowledge in Christ (1-3)
Discussion Questions
• What kind of struggle was Paul referring to in verse 1?
• What goals did Paul have for them?
• What wealth is he referring to?
• What is God’s mystery?
• How can we have a true knowledge of God’s mystery since it is a mystery?
• What does that teach us about how we can even begin to know the incomprehensible God and His plans?
• What is one treasure of wisdom and knowledge you have learned from Christ?
Verse by Verse Commentary
1. Paul’s concern for the Colossians was genuine. They were not an afterthought to him. In addition to the Colossians, there were now many other new believers and churches scattered throughout Europe and the Middle East who had never met Paul. The church at Laodicea was a nearby example. Paul recognized that the battle for the souls of these individuals was a spiritual battle. While he was not physically on the battle front in Colossae, he was on the front lines of the spiritual battle (Ephesians 6:12) and continued fighting this battle on their behalf through prayer firstly, but also through sending people or letters to instruct them. Are you a prayer warrior?
2. Verse 2 –
A. That their hearts may be encouraged – All of the believers at that time faced struggles in their walk with the Lord. Each believer was a first generation believer who did not grow up in a Christian family. They were the pioneers, the trailblazers in communities where there had never been a Christian just decades before. Pressure would have mounted on them to abandon their faith from every direction: society, government, friends, family, and even spouse. Because there weren’t many believers at that time, those there were may have felt isolated and alone in their faith. Paul sought to encourage them. They may have felt alone, but they were not alone.
B. Having been knit together in love – Paul goes even further in telling them they are not alone. The believers needed to rally around each other to encourage and support each other. The key ingredient in their relationship had to be love (1 Corinthians 16:14, 1 John 4:7-9).
1 Peter 4:8 – Above all, keep loving one another earnestly, since love covers a multitude of sins.
Many believers then and now find that their families or friends have turned against them because of their faith. During difficult times brothers and sisters need support from other believers. If those believers instead ignore them, judge them, complain about them, they will feel even more discouraged and hopeless. Through love, become a source of joy and encouragement to others, not a source of discouragement.
C. Attaining to the wealth that comes from assurance of understanding, resulting in true knowledge of God’s mystery –
This wealth does not refer to physical wealth such as gold or coins. Instead it refers to the wealth of spiritual blessings. We can live abundant and full lives in Christ.
2 Corinthians 8:9 – For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sake he became poor, so that you through his poverty might become rich.
James 2:5 – Listen, my dear brothers and sisters: Has not God chosen those who are poor in the eyes of the world to be rich in faith and to inherit the kingdom he promised those who love him?
Most people pursue riches because they believe that through material wealth they can obtain happiness and security. We can achieve happiness and security not through physical riches, but through a vibrant relationship with Christ. So a true understanding of Christ combined with faith in Him will bring us true wealth, which is true happiness and security found only in Christ.
3. In whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge –
True wisdom and knowledge is found in Christ. There are many very intelligent people in this world who have a high IQ. They can solve difficult problems and ace exams. Yet for all of their astounding intellect, they have no wisdom in God’s eyes. One example of a man like this is Richard Dawkins, the leading atheist in the world. He makes many contemptuous remarks about the Bible, God, and Christianity. But claiming to be wise, he is in fact exhibiting his own foolishness and blindness to the truth. (1 Corinthians 1:18-31.) When pressed on the unlikely statistical chance of random processes creating life, he said that it was possible aliens had seeded life. Intelligent design in the form of aliens is possible to him, but