Col. 1:5,6

Col. 1:10

Col. 1:13,14

Col. 1:15

Col. 2:8

Col. 2:23

Col. 3:5

Col. 3:16

Col. 3:17

Col. 4:5

Col. 4:6

Try to learn one verse each week for a month.

I. Author - Apostle Paul

    A. probably didn't visit

        1. Col. 2:1

II. Book

    A. one of four written from prison AD 56/7 to 60/1

    B. to church in Colosse

        1. near Hieropolis and Laodicea

        2. Laodiciea addressed in Revelation 2:1-7

        3. was circulated to other congregations

            a. Col. 4:16

    C. purpose - combat effects of previous religion: highly emotional & mystical

        1. ascetic practices - Col. 2:18-21

        2. worship angels - 2:18

        3. abstinence from certain foods; ceremonies; open to Jewish legalism 2:11,17

III. Message - focus on Jesus

    A. walk in Him (conduct and personal relationships)

        1. His wisdom and knowledge - Col. 1:9,10

        2. His power - Col. 1:11,12

        3. His kingdom - Col. 1:13,14

    B. believe in Him (doctrine)

        1. His pre-eminence - Col. 2:8-12

        2. His practices - Col. 2:16-19

        3. His decrees - Col. 2:20-23

    C. follow Him (ethics, morality)

        1. His mind - Col. 3:1-8

        2. His heart - Col. 3:12-14

        3. His peace - Col. 3:15-17