Message Series // Colossians – Part 1 Message
Date // February 16, 2020 (Scotty Priest)
Big Idea
As we dive into the letter of Colossians at Journey, it’s important to have an idea of what the letter is about. It’s written by the Apostle Paul around 62 A.D. from a prison in Rome. He is writing this letter with a purpose from prison to a church in the city of Colosse (modern-day Turkey). Epaphras, the planter of the Colossian church, travels over 1,000 miles to visit Paul seeking advice concerning issues his church is facing, and the letter of Colossians is what Epaphras brings back. In it, Paul’s overarching theme is that Jesus is first in everything, and that Jesus is enough. 2,000 years later, we are continually challenged with our need to let Jesus have first place in our lives, and to trust that He is enough.
“For in him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things have been created through him and for him. He is before all things, and in him all things hold together. And Jesus is the head of the body, the church; he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead, so that in everything Jesus might have the supremacy.” – Colossians 1:16-18
Discussion
Read Colossians 1:13-22. When you read these verses written by the Apostle Paul to the church in Colosse, what stands out to you? What do the verses communicate about Jesus and humanity?
In this passage of Scripture, Paul answers 2 of life’s biggest questions…
- Who am I? (value)
- Why am I here? (purpose)
Paul answers these questions by saying we are created BY Jesus (value) and FOR Jesus (purpose). Where do you see these questions being answered in these verses, and why is it important for Paul to address this at the beginning of the letter to the Colossians? (specifically look at verse 16)
Because one of Paul’s greatest themes in this passage is that Jesus is God, Creator, and Center of everything…we are challenged with the power of priority. In other words, is Jesus first in my life…and is He an important priority or THE priority? Why are these questions important to ask, and how would you honestly answer them? (specifically look at verses 17-18)
Next Steps
If Jesus needs FIRST PLACE in our lives, we must always wrestle with what (Who) gets our FIRST and our BEST. This can be in the areas of time, energy, passion, service, money, and more. What is one area you sense Jesus is wanting your FIRST and BEST? How can your small group help you take one next step in this area?