24 Now I rejoice in my sufferings for you, and I am completing in my flesh what is lacking in Christ’s afflictions for His body, that is, the church. 25 I have become its servant, according to God’s administration that was given to me for you, to make God’s message fully known, 26 the mystery hidden for ages and generations but now revealed to His saints. 27 God wanted to make known among the Gentiles the glorious wealth of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory. 28 We proclaim Him, warning and teaching everyone with all wisdom, so that we may present everyone mature in Christ. 29 I labor for this, striving with His strength that works powerfully in me.
Colossians 1:24-29
Student Sunday Lesson – April 19
Warm-up Questions
•What’s your favorite mystery movie of all time?
•Who’s your all-time favorite hero?
•What are some of the best and worst mystery novels?
Observe Questions
•What does Paul say in Colossians 1:24-25 about suffering?
•What’s the mystery, according to verses 26-27?
•What does “Christ in you” mean?
•What’s the purpose of God for us, according to verses 28-29?
Think Questions
•What do you think the purpose of suffering is for Christians (see verses 24-25)?
•Why do you think the mystery mentioned in verse 26 was hidden for so long?
•What do you think it means that Christ in you is the hope of glory?
•How can a church help its members become fully mature in Christ?
Apply Questions
• Have you ever been able to identify with Jesus Christ’s sufferings? Explain why or why not.
• What are some ways to explain to a skeptic that Jesus can come and live inside people?
• Do you sense Jesus living in you? How?
• What are some ways to become more mature in Jesus?
Daily Quiet Times
Monday – April 20
Colossians 1:24
- What word or phrase jumps out to you? Why?
- According to this passage, why does Paul suffer for Christ?
- Think about some of the ways the church reflects Christ’s suffering.
Tuesday – April 21
Colossians 1:25
- What word or phrase jumps out to you? Why?
- What does Paul say about the fullness of God?
- What are some of the areas of your life that need God’s fullness?
Wednesday- April 22
Colossians 1:26
- What word or phrase jumps out to you? Why?
- What does Paul say about mystery?
- Think about the mystery of “Christ in us.” How does this work?
Thursday- April 23
Colossians 1:27
- What word or phrase jumps out to you? Why?
- Why is “Christ in us” such an amazing mystery?
- Why can this mystery create hope in you?
Friday – April 24
Colossians 1:28
- What word or phrase jumps out to you? Why?
- Do you think of yourself as growing in wisdom and fully mature in Jesus? Why or why not?
- Think about how our immaturity in Jesus influences and impacts others. What are some of the negative results?
Saturday – April 25
Colossians 1:29
- What word or phrase jumps out to you? Why?
- What does Paul mean about contending with the power of Christ?
- How can Jesus Christ power change your life?