NextLevel Online: Colossians
by Michael DeFazio
Michael DeFazio (New Testament and Hermeneutics Professor at Ozark Christian College) takes a verse-by verse look at the book of Colossians to celebrate Christ’s supremacy and encourage us to keep walking in Christ. Michael explains the framework to spiritual formation and how family and work relationships are a matter of discipleship. The heart of this study is the reminder that Jesus is enough to save you completely.

Lessons

Approaching Colossians (1:1-2)
Why Colossians? When and why did Paul write Colossians?

Interrupt Forgetting (1:1-14)
Remember who you are (1:1-2) Remember what God has done (1:3-8) Remember where God is taking you (1:9-14)

The Supremacy of Christ (1:15-20)
Christ’s Sufficiency and Supremacy (1:15-20)

The Necessity of Faith (1:21-23)
Theological Issues Raised in 1:21-23

The Reliability of Paul (1:24-2:5)
How does this section fit into Paul’s argument? Why does he stress his own reliability?

Just Keep Walking (2:6-15)
Continue in Christ (2:6-15)

Avoid Dead Ends (2:16-23)
Colossians 2:16-23: What are we talking about? Colossians 2:16-23: What are we saying about these things?

Spiritual Formation (3:1-17)
Biblical Anchors for Spiritual Formation

Understanding and Replacing Our Sin (3:1-17)
Session 9 talks about the sin of idolatry and deceit, the expressions of love and questions to ask when we’re angry:

Christ’s Sufficiency At Home and Work (3:18-4:1)
Why does Paul talk about family and work? How does Paul talk about family and work?

On Slavery and Work (3:18-4:1)
Session 11 discusses Paul’s instructions which should help shape our doctrine of work.and idea if slavery.

Life on Mission (4:2-18)
Elements of Life on Mission (Colossians 4:2-18)

Final Thoughts on Colossians
Remember to meditate on the words of these letters. Remember the church. Remember how sanctification works. Remember that Jesus is enough.