Through Jesus, all things are reconciled to God. That doesn’t mean that all will be saved but that all are now savable. A believer who continually pursues Christ will grow and move toward maturity in Him. But some believers who ignore their need to mature will remain stagnant and immature. Paul’s passion is one we can embrace too: to see every believer presented as mature before Jesus.

Review the breathtaking portrait of Christ found in Colossians 1:15-18. Continue that description by reading 1:19-20. What is meant by the word, “fullness?” Compare Col. 2:9.

Read the controversial passage in 1:21-23. Explain why the phrase, “if indeed you continue” (1:23) is not a requirement for eternal life. What is Paul most likely talking about?

Take a brief aside to look at the subject of the judgment seat of Christ. What is it? Read the following verses for insights: Rom. 14:10-12, 2 Cor. 5:9-10 and 1 Cor. 3:11-15. How does the concept of Christ’s judgment of believers relate to Col. 1:21-23?

Most of us work to avoid suffering at any cost. How does God use suffering in our progress toward maturity? Read Col. 1:24-25. Why could Paul rejoice in his sufferings?

Paul was a man of intense purpose. Read Col. 1:28-29. Summarize Paul’s purpose in life. It’s clear he wanted to see believers grow in their faith. Do you see any connection between these verses and Col. 1:21-23? Explain.

Take a moment to describe your desire to influence others for Christ. What does your influence of others look like in your practical experience of life?

Further Reading

A Beautiful Thing

As Jesus prepared for the cross, an unnamed woman responded to Jesus with faith in a unique way. She understood truth about Jesus that eluded other disciples and gave Jesus an extravagant gift. Let’s remember how her example teaches us to follow the Lord with faith...

Stay Awake

Throughout His time on earth, Jesus' disciples asked Him many of the same questions that we find ourselves wrestling with today. Instead of giving a direct and clear response to their questions, Jesus focused more on the heart and attitude of His followers. We have...

Death and Taxes

Death and taxes are two of life’s certainties, and Jesus responded to questions about those topics to redirect our attention to timeless truth. Remembering the source and owner of all the parts of our life, as well as life itself, radically changes our perspectives....

Divine Authority

While Jesus entered conflict with religious leaders over his authority, he also revealed significant truth about his mission, God’s good gifts, and our responsibilities. What can Jesus’ teaching, storytelling, and confrontation with religious authorities teach us...

Foreshadowing

Jesus approaches Jerusalem with a loud celebration, but when he enters the Temple courts no one seems to notice. His strong actions both privately and publicly demand attention and response. Jesus’ triumphal parade into Jerusalem, a withered fig tree, and Jesus’...