Applying Colossians to You

For the index for the Colossians Series, click here.

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After nine weeks, here we are on our last day of the Colossians study!

There is not really a point to studying the Bible if you are not seeking a way to apply it to your life so that you can become more like Christ.  I hope that you have found application from our lessons throughout our study!

Sometimes application seems difficult or weird; it is much easier to learn about something without having to internalize it.  Here are some tips to help you apply Colossians (and any other Bible study) to your life.

1. Decide what the author/writer is actually trying to say.  This is the whole point of observing and interpreting Scripture!  By taking the time to study, we have a better grasp of Paul's message to the Colossians:  You are dead to the world, so live as Christ.  Hold on to Christ and His gospel, not the world's teachings.  Do not be swayed; do not be deluded.

2. Think about how those main points translate into today's world.  One of my professor's said it was like building a bridge between the world of the Bible and the world today.  What does it mean to be dead to the world today?  How can we live as Christ today?  How can I keep from being swayed or deluded?

3. Come up with a plan.  This might be a paradigm shift (I will live differently because I am saved).  It could be a plan of action (I will learn more about the Gospel so that I can know truth from lies).  It may mean working to break a habit (I will stop stealing/lying/gossiping since I am now dead to sin).

4. Implement the plan so that you are transformed.  After all, transformation is the last step of the inductive method!  We must change so we can be more like Christ each and every day.


I have really enjoyed these nine weeks with you!  I hope you have too ;)

Colossians Outline

For the index for the Colossians Series, click here.

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Here are my four chapter outlines from Colossians:

Colossians 1: We Proclaim Him
I.   Greetings (vv. 1-2)
II.  We Have Heard of You
      A. From Epaphras (vv. 3-8)
      B. Our Prayer for You (vv. 9-12)
III. We Serve Jesus Christ
      A. He is Savior (vv. 13-14)
      B. He is Above All (vv. 15-20)
      C. He is Our Hope (vv. 21-23)
      D. I am His Minister (vv. 24-29)

Colossians 2: Do Not be Taken Captive by the World
I.  Hold on to Your Faith
    A. My Struggle for Your Faith (vv. 1-5)
    B. Walk in Christ (vv. 6-7)
    C. Christ's Work is the Foundation of Faith (vv. 8-15)
II. Separate from the World and its Teachings
    A. Focus on Christ (vv. 16-19)
    B. The World Gains You Nothing (vv. 20-23)

Colossians 3:  Keep Seeking Things Above
I.  Set Your Mind to Christ Above (vv. 1-4)
II. Live as Christ
    A. Put Aside the Old Self (vv. 5-11)
    B. Put on the New Self (vv. 12-17)
    C. Live in Proper Relationships (vv. 18-4:1)

Colossians 4:  Prayer and Wisdom for Ministry
I.  Prayer and Wise Conduct
    A. Devote Yourselves to Prayer (vv. 2-4)
    B. Have Wise Conduct Towards Others (vv. 5-6)
II. Greetings and Closing Remarks
    A. Tychicus Will Explain My Circumstances (vv. 7-9)
    B. Greetings from Others (vv. 10-11)
    C. Epaphras Commended (vv. 12-14)
    D. Share my Words Among the Churches (vv. 15-18)

You can take these four outlines and combine them to create a single outline of Colossians:

Colossians
I.  We Proclaim Him
    A.   Greetings (1:1-2)
    B.  We Have Heard of You
          1. From Epaphras (1:3-8)
          2. Our Prayer for You (1:9-12)
    C. We Serve Jesus Christ
          1. He is Savior (1:13-14)
          2. He is Above All (1:15-20)
          3. He is Our Hope (1:21-23)
          4. I am His Minister (1:24-29)
II.  Do Not be Taken Captive by the World
     A.  Hold on to Your Faith
          1. My Struggle for Your Faith (2:1-5)
          2. Walk in Christ (2:6-7)
          3. Christ's Work is the Foundation of Faith (2:8-15)
     B. Separate from the World and its Teachings
          1. Focus on Christ (2:16-19)
          2. The World Gains You Nothing (2:20-23)
III. Keep Seeking Things Above
     A. Set Your Mind to Christ Above (3:1-4)
     B. Live as Christ
          1. Put Aside the Old Self (3:5-11)
          2. Put on the New Self (3:12-17)
          3. Live in Proper Relationships (3:18-4:1)
    C.  Prayer and Wise Conduct
          1. Devote Yourselves to Prayer (4:2-4)
          2. Have Wise Conduct Towards Others (4:5-6)
IV. Greetings and Closing Remarks
    A. Tychicus Will Explain My Circumstances (4:7-9)
    B. Greetings from Others (4:10-11)
    C. Epaphras Commended (4:12-14)
    D. Share my Words Among the Churches (4:15-18)

As you can see, without the chapter breaks, you can combine like sections to show the flow of Paul's letter as a whole.

I cannot believe tomorrow is our last day of Colossians!  As we close, start thinking of what you have learned and how it can be applied.

Finding Paragraph Themes

For the index for the Colossians Series, click here.

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Paragraph themes are not something I do for every chapter or book, but it can be very helpful when doing an in-depth study or compiling notes on a book or subject.  Today, we will walk through how I find paragraph themes and use those in my study.

Step one:  Find the first (or next) paragraph; if it is only one verse, join with the previous or following paragraph based on context.  In our case, the first paragraph is Colossians 1:1-2.

Step two:  Read it and decide what the main point is.  For us, it would be a greeting.

Step three:  Repeat first two steps until chapter is complete.  Pretty simple, right?

Here's what my final list for Colossians 1 looks like:

Greetings (1:1-2)
Epaphras Told Us About You (1:3-8)
Our prayer for you (1:9-12)
Jesus is Savior (1:13-14)
He is Above All  (1:15-20)
Through Him We Have Hope (1:21-23)
I am His Minster (1:24-29)

I use these basic points to form a simple outline, using my chapter theme as the heading.

Colossians 1: We Proclaim Him
I.   Greetings (vv. 1-2)
II.  We Have Heard of You (vv. 3-12)
      A. From Epaphras (vv. 3-8)
      B. Our Prayer for You (vv. 9-12)
III. We Serve Jesus Christ (vv. 13-29)
      A. He is Savior (vv. 13-14)
      B. He is Above All (vv. 15-20)
      C. He is Our Hope (vv. 21-23)
      D. I am His Minister (vv. 24-29)

From here, each point can be further outlined or detailed.  If you are converting your notes into a lesson or sermon, this is a great way to organize your material.  (For Colossians 1, we have a simple three point lesson with underlying information.)

I normally make an outline for each chapter or section and then combine them at the end of the book so I have something simple to look over for each book; however, with a small book like Colossians, sometimes it is easier to get in the mindset of outlining and conquer the book at one time!

Outlining Tip:  For every 1 there should be a 2; for every A there should be a B.

Q:  I'm confused!  What is the difference between the sectioning we did yesterday and choosing paragraph themes (making an outline) today?
The main difference is how they are used.

Sections (from yesterday) are bigger and tend to focus on an overall topic; they are more inclusive.  Paragraph Themes/Outlining is more detailed and focuses on what the verses are saying; it is not a topic, but a summary.  These Paragraph Themes are more exclusive and typically cover a smaller number of verses.

Sectioning is the fly-over big picture (which is why is pairs with our Overview).  Outlining is a street map or guide to what the book actually says.

How to Section Colossians

For the index for the Colossians Series, click here.

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Sectioning works just the way it sounds -- breaking a big piece into smaller pieces (or sections).  You probably made some of your own sections (or saw a few of mine) while you were cross-referencing.  Those passages we used last week are simply sections of Colossians.

So how do we section Colossians in an effective way?  First, I would begin in Colossians 1 and just read (or skim) through the book, trying to find logical or topical breaks.  Most Bibles have headings that separate verses into big topical sections.

Make of list of the verses for each section and add a topic or heading of your own.  (Example:  Colossians 1:3-12 Paul's Prayer)  Try not to have verses that overlap between sections; use our large segments as an initial guide!  (Example:  Doctrinal headings and sections for Colossians 1:3-2:23)

As for our Overview sheet, I follow Kay Arthur's blocking method (on her At A Glance sheets).*

As you can see, there is ample room for the chapter themes (and key verses), but to the side, there is space for segments or section divisions.  There is no reason why each section needs to correspond by chapter; often chapters mark new topics, but that is not always the case.

I just drew a similar rectangle on my Overview sheet with a small column for sections.  (It doesn't need to be very small; make it big enough for you to write inside it!)  I listed our large segment divisions from our Overview (intro, doctrine, praxis, closing).

To the left, I added a second column for sections!  Here is my final list of sections for the book of Colossians:

Introduction (1:1-2)
Prayer for Colosse (1:3-12)
Jesus Above All (1:13-20)
Complete in Jesus and his Gospel (1:21-29)
Paul's Struggle and Warnings (2:1-8)
Christ's Work (2:9-15)
Why Live as the World? (2:16-23)
Keep Seeking Above (3:1-4)
Put Aside Sin (3:5-11)
Let Christ Rule... (3:12-17)
...in All Areas (3:18-4:1)
Prayer and Wise Conduct (4:2-6)
Closing (4:7-18)

We are going to take Sectioning a step farther and begin working on Paragraph Themes.  These themes will help us develop an outline of Colossians.

*This image was taken from my personal copy of Kay Arthur's Philippians/Colossians Study titled That I May Know Him.

Colossians Overview Updated

Welcome to June and to the last week of our study!

For the index for the Colossians Series, click here.
For the original Overview of Colossians, click here.

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As a refresher, here is my theme, key verse, and occasion/purpose for Colossians:

Here are the chapter themes from our chapter studies:

We have studied the author and recipients; we have guessed that Paul is writing from prison (setting).  We noted the four main segments of Colossians:  Intro (1:1-2), Doctrine (1:3-2:23), Praxis (3:1-4:6), and Closing (4:7-18).

Now we can section Colossians and add the information to our Overview!  Adding sections to our quick-glance sheet can aid in finding passages or choosing a sermon or lesson to teach.

The Link to Philemon

For the index for the Colossians Series, click here.

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I know.  I kind of tricked you into thinking yesterday was our last day of cross-referencing, but the link between Colossians and Philemon really doesn't count as cross-referencing.  It's more like partnering ;)

The first "clue" to the partnering is the list of names found in both books (Paul, Timothy, Luke, Demas, Epaphras, Aristarchus, Mark, Archippus, and notably Onesimus).

As we compare Colossians 4 and Philemon, we find that Paul sent Tychicus with Onesimus to the Colossians to "inform" them about his situation.  Philemon gives Onesimus' back-story.

Furthermore, we learn that the letter Paul sent to Laodicea and Archippus is probably Philemon (since Philemon is addressed to Archippus).  Paul instructs Colosse and Laodicea to share these letters with each other.

This gives some reason as to Paul's lengthy closing in Colossians 4; all of the greetings from his fellow-workers (along with his acceptance of Onesimus) gives some support for his plea to Philemon to accept Onesimus back as more than a servant (or slave).

Anyway, even though there is not a lot to "learn" through this connection, it helps to flush out what was happening in Paul's ministry and gives some insight into his letter to the Colossians.

Remember way back at the end of Week 2 we made an Overview of Colossians?  Time to update!!!

My overview is just a loose-leaf sheet in my binder with the following things listed:  author, recipients, setting, theme, key verse, purpose/occasion, chapter themes, and key words.  If you mark your Bible, add this information in an appropriate margin or space.

Next week we will add some sections (or segments) to the overview and learn how to outline Colossians.

Finishing Cross-Referecing

For the index for the Colossians Series, click here.

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Here is my "mixed bag" of other cross-references for the book of Colossians.

I'm sure you noticed some overlap in my cross-referencing of these passages, and I'm quite sure there are more than five parallel passages between Colossians and other Bible books!

You may have noticed very little cross-referencing between Colossians 4 and other books as we have studied the last few days; tomorrow we will address the parallels in Colossians 4, specifically how Colossians seems to partner with the book of Philemon.

Philemon is a short book of only twenty-five verses; keep an eye out specifically for names mentioned in Colossians 4 and Philemon.

Cross-Reference: Ephesians

For the index for the Colossians Series, click here.

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I found seven cross-references between Ephesians and Colossians (the most between Colossians and any other book).  Here they are!

Tomorrow we will be finishing up the main part of cross-referencing!

While I don't intend for you to spend your day skimming through the entire Bible, maybe you remember a passage you have memorized or read before that you think might match up with something we read in Colossians.  Maybe you have been using a study guide or commentary that suggests more passages.  Maybe you have found a few good cross-references marked in your Bible.  Just see what you can find!!!

If you have no idea where to begin, try Philippians!  It is the last book of the set to cover (Galatians, Ephesians, Philippians, and Colossians).

Cross-Reference: Galatians

For the index for the Colossians Series, click here.

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Galatians and Colossians are considered part of a single section of Paul's letters (Galatians, Ephesians, Philippians, and Colossians).  These four books have a very similar "feel" to them, and they all deal with both doctrine and praxis (Christian living).  I'm sure you found a lot of parallel information in Galatians!!!

I'm going to share four cross-references I marked and why I think they are good parallel passages.

I'm sure you may have found more cross-references (or matched up different ones); just remember that there is no set way to cross-reference!

I hope Galatians whet your appetite, because Ephesians and Colossians have many parallels!!!

How to Cross-Reference

Welcome to Week 8!!!  I can't believe we've come so far so quickly!
Happy Memorial Day to you all!

For the index for the Colossians Series, click here.

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What is cross-referencing?  Finding a verse or passage that says the same thing (or something similar) to another verse or passage.  Example:  Jesus' birth is recounted in Matthew and in Luke; while the focus and stories are different, it still makes the same points.  Another example:  Jesus' baptism is found in all four Gospels and each says almost exactly same thing.

So, I'm going to b honest for a moment with you:  this post has been the most difficult for me to conceptualize and write.  Perhaps it is because I have come to the conclusion that there is no method or set way to cross-reference a passage.

Here is my explanation:

Based on these points, it seems as if there are really only two options when it comes to cross-referencing:
1.  know enough of the Bible to think of parallel passages on your own
2.  follow a cross-reference list from someone else (through commentary, Bible study, etc)

Therefore, I am going to ask all of you to trust me as we move forward in cross-referencing.  I have consulted a few sources and have come up with a few of my own cross-referenced passages.  I am sure I missed thoughts, ideas, and parallels that you or others may see.

It is my hope for us all to learn more and more about the Bible every day; perhaps by studying Colossians together, we can see where it parallels other books of the Bible as we move forward in our studies.

Read through the book of Galatians (only six chapters) and look for passages that sound like or teach something we have learned in Colossians.  Personally, I like skimming over Colossians first to refresh my memory.

Theme of Colossians 4

For the index for the Colossians Series, click here.

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Here's my theme for Colossians 4:

As I mentioned on Wednesday, Paul's letter focus on the Colossians prayer and conduct, specifically how it affects the ministry of the Gospel.

Here are some other themes I considered:
Seasoned with Salt (4:6)
Circumstances and Encouragement (4:8)
Take Heed to the Ministry (4:17)
Paul's Farewell (4:18)

Now that we have finished observing the text (in detail), we can begin interpreting the text itself in order to understand and apply it to our lives.

Next week, we will be devoting ourselves to the task of cross-referencing!  (It may sound boring, but there is MUCH to discover.)  So, take the weekend off to think over all we have learned in our chapter studies as we move forward.

Colossians 4: Paul's Farewell

For the index for the Colossians Series, click here.

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Most of Paul's letters contain short farewells (between 1 and 5 verses); however, Romans, 1 Corinthians, and Colossians all share lengthy farewells, full of greetings to and from various companions of Paul.

While some of the most interesting information from this section can be found from cross-referencing with other Bible books (a task we will attempt next week), there is still something important to find in this verses today, especially considering that Paul took the time to write such a lengthy goodbye.

While many of these names and situations probably seem familiar to us, it is important to see that Paul needed to give the Colossians quite a bit of information so that they could continue to support Paul's ministry and the ministry of his companions.

We're finally ready to close Colossians 4!

Colossians 4: Paul's Closing Thoughts

For the index for the Colossians Series, click here.

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Paul's closing commands for the Colossians focus on prayer and conduct.

Paul has three main prayer requests/commands for the Colossians...

...and one primary concern for their conduct.

Both sets of instructions focus on evangelism, more specifically Paul's ministry and the church of Colosse's ministry to "speak the mystery of Christ."

I think Paul may have closed with these instructions in order to remind the Colossians of their primary responsibility:  the Gospel.  The whole book has been leading up to this reminder.  When Paul explains his prayers for them, his ministry, when he warns them, teaches them, and instructs them in Christian living, when he explains how they should act to one another -- it all boils down to living in a manner that promotes Christ and His Word.

While this would be a great place to start closing out our study, Paul continues Colossians 4 with a long farewell speech.  Take a look at this and glean what you can.

Intro to Colossians 4

For the index for the Colossians Series, click here.

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I saw two main section of Colossians 4 during my reading:  Paul's Final Commands and Paul's Farewell.  (Colossians 4:1 really fits better with the end of Colossians 3 and our relationship study, so my "study" of Colossians 4 really begins with verse 2.)

Take some time to write down Paul's last few commands, warnings, and thoughts for the Colossians, specifically from Colossians 4:2-6.  Think about why he chose to close with these ideas.