Colossians

A Study Guide for Staying Grounded in the Supremacy of Jesus

Written by Paul to the church in Colossae, a city influenced by Greek philosophy, mysticism, and legalism.
Though Paul didn’t plant this church, he writes with authority and affection to correct dangerous teaching.
The letter emphasizes the fullness of Christ, the emptiness of man-made religion, and the power of the gospel.

Reflection: When Jesus is enough for you, false teaching loses its grip.

Paul opens with a prayer for spiritual wisdom and knowledge (Colossians 1:9–14).
He then delivers one of the most powerful declarations of Jesus’ supremacy (1:15–20).
Christ is the image of the invisible God, the Creator, the Sustainer, the Head of the church, and the one who reconciles all things.

Takeaway: You don’t need more than Christ. You just need more of Christ.

Paul warns believers not to be deceived by empty philosophy, legalism, or mystical practices (Colossians 2:8–23).
These may sound spiritual, but they lack the power to change the heart.
In Christ, you’ve already been made alive and forgiven. You don’t need to add religious rules to secure your salvation.

Lesson: If it takes your eyes off Christ—or adds conditions to grace—it’s not truth.

Paul shifts to practical application: put to death what is earthly (Colossians 3:1–11).
Believers are to “put on” compassion, kindness, humility, patience, and love (3:12–17).
The peace of Christ should rule our hearts, and the Word of Christ should dwell in us richly.

Encouragement: God didn’t just save you from sin—He’s reshaping you into Christ’s likeness, one attitude at a time.

Paul gives instructions for households and work relationships (Colossians 3:18–4:1).
Wives, husbands, children, fathers, slaves, and masters are all called to submit to Christ in how they treat one another.

Reminder: Every role in your life is an opportunity to reflect Jesus—starting at home.

Paul urges believers to pray continually and speak the gospel with clarity and boldness (Colossians 4:2–6).
He reminds them to walk wisely with outsiders and let their speech be gracious and seasoned with salt.

Challenge: The gospel isn’t just for defending—it’s for declaring.

Colossians 1:15 – “He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation.”
Colossians 1:27 – “Christ in you, the hope of glory.”
Colossians 2:9–10 – “In Him the whole fullness of deity dwells bodily, and you have been filled in Him…”
Colossians 3:2 – “Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth.”
Colossians 3:17 – “Whatever you do… do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus…”

How does Paul describe the supremacy of Christ in chapter 1, and why does it matter?
What are some modern “empty philosophies” that still try to distract from Jesus?
What does it mean to “put to death” sinful desires—and how is that different from legalism?
Which of the “put on” virtues in Colossians 3 do you most need God to develop in your life?
How do your relationships at home and work reflect your relationship with Christ?
What does it look like to let your speech be “gracious and seasoned with salt”?