A Prayer for Spiritual Growth - Colossians 1:3-23

By David Woods

Read Colossians 1:3-8

Discussion: How would you describe Paul's attitude toward the Colossian Christians?

Discussion: In your opinion, do most local churches today express the same great interest Paul showed in other local churches' spiritual welfare?  Why or why not?

Discussion: What are some ways our church can show a greater interest and concern for the Church universal?

If the Colossian Christians had a great faith in Jesus, a tremendous love for all the saints and a steadfast hope of heaven…

Discussion: Why did Paul feel the Colossian Christians needed to grow spiritually?

Read Colossians 1:9-12

Discussion: How would you describe Paul's level of intensity in this prayer?

Discussion: What is "the knowledge of his will" that Paul desired for the Colossian Christians?

Discussion: What does it mean to possess God's wisdom? (see James 3:13-18)

In verse ten, Paul holds a very high standard for the Christian to reach. We are to walk worthy of the Lord, pleasing Him in every way.

Discussion: Why do some Christians suggest it is impossible to please the Lord with one's life on a consistent basis?

Discussion: Is it unfair to expect the Christian to "walk worthy" all the time? Why?

Discussion: What does it mean to be fruitful spiritually?

Discussion: How does Paul say the Christian is made strong spiritually? What part does the Christian play in becoming strong spiritually?

After expressing this prayer for the believers' spiritual growth Paul then seems to go off on a tangent, talking about Christ. While it is a tangent, I do not believe it is just the wanderings of an old man's mind.

Rather, I believe Paul wrote these words for a specific purpose. The printed text in the Sunday School lesson ends at verse seventeen. Maybe they had to do this for lack of space. But I believe we should read to verse twenty-three in order to find why Paul went off on this tangent about Christ.

Read Colossians 1:13-23

Not too long ago I taught a Bible study on Colossians 1:13-29 in which I pointed out that the central truth of Christianity is that Christ is supreme.

This scripture teaches us this truth by saying, firstly, we exist because of Christ's creative power, vv. 13-17. Secondly, we are saved through Christ's reconciling power, vv. 18-22. Thirdly, we serve through Christ's indwelling power, vv. 23-29.

(Teacher: List spiritual disciplines on whiteboard.)

Discussion: Why do we Christians do these things?

Discussion: Can a Christian remain a Christian and not do these things? Why or why not?

I believe the reason why Paul went off on this tangent about Christ is explained in verse twenty-three. "If indeed you continue in the faith, stable and steadfast, not shifting from the hope of the gospel that you heard...." (ESV)

In other words...

Big Idea: Keeping Christ central in one's life is the key to spiritual growth.

Read "Doctrinal Discussion" comments on page 82.

Discussion: Would you say that the person of Jesus is receiving the proper emphasis in your personal life? In our local church?

Discussion: What are the ways the devil most often tries to get you to not keep Christ central in your life? In the local church?

Prayer: Teacher begins by saying a short (three to five sentence max) prayer for spiritual growth for the person on his/her left, asking the Sunday School members to continue this pattern until everyone has been prayed for. Teacher closes the Sunday School hour in prayer for the class and church as a whole.