Life Lessons from Colossians and Philemon: The Difference Christ Makes

Life Lessons from Colossians and Philemon: The Difference Christ Makes

OVER 2 MILLION SOLD IN THE LIFE LESSONS SERIES! Do you remember when God amazed you? When he marvelously provided for you? Sadly, sometimes we forget God's mercy. The early believers in the Colossian church had forgotten too. Instead, they were impressed by spiritual claims from false teachers. The apostle Paul's letters reminded them that Jesus is all we will ever need. Paul encourages. He challenges. He gives principles for living and interacting at work, in our families, and our churches. Paul also knew that one of his friends had been betrayed and had every reason to seek revenge. So Paul wrote to Philemon encouraging him to rise above his hurt and show mercy, forgiveness, grace, and love. Paul's letters remind us of the difference Christ makes in every aspect of our lives. As you read, study, journal, and discuss the books of Colossians and Philemon, watch for these key themes that Max will unpack throughout the book: Faith, love, and hope are key to following Christ. - In Christ Jesus, we have been offered freedom. - Because of Jesus, Christians can be as in touch with the next world as this one. The Life Lessons with Max Lucado series brings the Bible to life in twelve lessons filled with intriguing questions, inspirational stories, and poignant reflections to take you deeper into God's Word. Each lesson includes: An opening reflection on the Bible book you're studying. - Background information to deepen your understanding of the cultural and historical setting. - An excerpt of the text (from the NIV and the NKJV). - Exploration questions with plenty of room to write your own thoughts and notes. - Inspirational thoughts from Max as well as a closing takeaway for further reflection. The Life Lessons series is ideal for use in both a small-group setting or for individual study. Since entering the ministry in 1978, Max Lucado has served churches in Miami, Florida; Rio de Janeiro, Brazil; and San Antonio, Texas. He currently serves as the teaching minister of Oak Hills Church in San Antonio. He is the recipient of the 2021 ECPA Pinnacle Award for his outstanding contribution to the publishing industry and society at large. He is America's bestselling inspirational author with more than 150 million products in print. Visit his website at MaxLucado.com Facebook.com/MaxLucado Instagram.com/MaxLucado X.com/MaxLucado Youtube.com/MaxLucadoOfficial The Max Lucado Encouraging Word Podcast Life Lessons from Colossians & Philemon The Difference Christ Makes By Max Lucado, Len Woods Thomas Nelson Copyright © 2018 Max Lucado All rights reserved. ISBN: 978-0-310-08652-9 Contents How to Study the Bible, v, Introduction to the Book of Colossians and Philemon, ix, Lesson 1 Faith, Hope, and Love (Colossians 1:1-8), 1, Lesson 2 Praying with Power (Colossians 1:9-14), 9, Lesson 3 The Supremacy of Christ (Colossians 1:15-23), 17, Lesson 4 Serving Christ (Colossians 1:24-29), 25, Lesson 5 Walking with Christ (Colossians 2:1-10), 33, Lesson 6 Foolish Philosophies (Colossians 2:11-23), 43, Lesson 7 Living Differently (Colossians 3:1-17), 53, Lesson 8 Home, Sweet Home (Colossians 3:18-21), 63, Lesson 9 What About Work? (Colossians 3:22-4:1), 71, Lesson 10 A Mouth That Makes a Difference (Colossians 4:2-6), 79, Lesson 11 Companions on the Journey (Colossians 4:7-18), 87, Lesson 12 The Miracle of Forgiveness (Philemon 1:1-21), 97, Leader's Guide for Small Groups, 107, CHAPTER 1 FAITH, HOPE, AND LOVE We heard of your faith in Christ Jesus and of your love for all the saints; because of the hope which is laid up for you in heaven. COLOSSIANS 1:4-5 NKJV REFLECTION Letter writing is quickly becoming a relic of a bygone era. With cell phones, email, and text messaging, few people sit down anymore with paper and pen, with the intent of composing a thoughtful correspondence. What are your own letter-writing habits? _____________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________ SITUATION At some point during Paul's ministry — most likely during his imprisonment in Rome c. AD 60 — the apostle learned the church in Colossae was being bombarded by an eclectic mix of heretical teachings. Although Paul did not found the church, he felt compelled to write a letter to them to guide them back to the true teachings of the gospel. His message to them was simply that Christ is preeminent. He is Creator and Lord — the all-sufficient Savior of the world. In our union with him — by grace and through faith — the Christian finds all he or she will ever need. OBSERVATION Read Colossians 1:1-8 from the New International Version or the New King James Version. New International Version 1 Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, and Timothy our brother, 2 To God's holy people in Colossae, the faithful brothers and sisters in Christ: Grace and peace to you from God our Father. 3 We always thank God, the Father o