The book of Colossians is a heartfelt letter. It was penned by the apostle Paul to a vibrant, young church. This church was thriving in the bustling city of Colossae. During a time of trial, Paul was confined within the walls of prison. He was most likely enduring the house arrest depicted in the closing chapters of Acts. Paul poured his soul into this epistle. He infused it with fervor and inspiration for the believers he deeply cherished.

The city of Colossae is a gem nestled about 100 miles east of Ephesus. It lies on the western side of what is now vibrant Turkey. This city holds a rich historical narrative. In Paul’s times, it was a significant part of Asia Minor, flourishing with life and culture. During the fourth and fifth centuries B.C., this remarkable city boasted a thriving Jewish community. Approximately 2000 Jewish families bravely chose to settle in the area in the second century B.C. They weaved their heritage into the very fabric of Colossae’s existence.

Paul had never set foot in Colossae, yet the vibrant church there ignited under the powerful influence of his ministry! During his groundbreaking third missionary journey, Paul dedicated three transformative years in Ephesus. It was during this electrifying time that his devoted coworkers and fervent disciples shared the life-changing news about Jesus. They spread it fervently to the surrounding cities. This led to the exhilarating proclamation that “all Asia heard the word” (Acts 19:10). Epaphras was among these passionate co-workers. He was a proud native of Colossae. Epaphras played a pivotal role in founding the church there around A.D. 54!

While Paul found himself in chains around A.D. 61, Epaphras journeyed to Rome. He was burning with urgency to share the exhilarating news of the gospel’s advancement in the Colossae region. However, he also revealed the alarming troubles that were shaking the very foundation of the church there. Deceptive teachings threatened their steadfastness in Jesus. Epaphras’s heart ached for their spiritual welfare.

As we immerse ourselves in Paul’s words from the letter, we can vividly uncover the troubling false teachings. These teachings gripped the church at Colossae. He fervently highlights the significance of circumcision. He emphasizes the strict observance of Jewish holy days. He points out the burdensome dietary laws. This reveals a striking Jewish influence behind these teachings. Additionally, he boldly critiques the foolishness of self-abasement. He also criticizes the harsh treatment of the body in Colossians 2:23. He exposes the absurdity of such ascetic practices. Furthermore, he passionately addresses a mystical aspect. He urges us to beware of alluring visions. He also warns against the worship of angels mentioned in 2:18.

The deceptive teachings threatening the church revolved around enticing spiritual visions and angelic encounters. They also included following the Jewish calendar and adhering to food laws. These actions were a misguided attempt to unlock a deeper experience of God’s fullness. In response, Paul pens the letter to the Colossians, fervently affirming that Jesus embodies the very fullness of God! He passionately conveys that anyone who places their faith in Jesus already possesses that transformative fullness within them (2:9-10). Paul’s heartfelt mission is to awaken both the original readers. He also wants to awaken us to the profound truth that Christ is entirely sufficient. We do not need Christ plus mystical experiences. We do not need anything else to truly know God in all His magnificent fullness. All we truly need is Christ!

This journal has several extra worksheets to guide you on your journey through Colossians. IF you have your own journaling method, you can download these extra sheets individually blow.

Vision Statement (page 50) Colossians 1:24-29.  Paul possessed an extraordinary vision, an inspiring goal that stirred his very soul. This remarkable vision would not materialize on its own; it demanded his unwavering commitment Now, I ask you: do you share Paul’s incredible vision?

Hold Tight to the Word of God (Page 51) Colossians 2:4-10. We are called to be stable and disciplined, to stand strong in our faith. Here, he passionately urges us to be firmly rooted. This activity focuses our heart on memorizing verses to remember our commitment to reading, hearing, studying, meditating, and memorizing the Word of God.

Spiritual Check Up (page 53) Colossians 3:11-15. Immerse yourself in these powerful verses (3:12-17) and passionately jot down every character quality that Paul so fervently discusses. Then, take a few moments to reflect on your own “performance” in these vital areas. For each quality, courageously write down any recent failures you’ve encountered. Lastly, for each area, articulate a heartfelt sentence on how you aspire to grow.

As you study these verses, I pray these little extra spaces to write, reflect and journal will guide your journey into a deeper more meaningful relationship with the Lord. 

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