Faithful minister (Eph 6:2; Col 1:7) 8 Rejoicing at all times (Phil 4:6) delighting in weakness (2 Cor 12:10) 10 Mark – chequered career! (Acts 12:24; 13:13; 15:37-39; cf 2 Tim 4:11 Philemon 24) Barnabus – rift, (Acts 15:36-41) 18 To live is Christ to die is gain (Philippians 1:21) Fellowship of His sufferings and the power of His resurrection (Phil 3:10) Paul’s own hand (1 Cor 16:21; Gal 6:11; 2 Thess3:17 cf Phm 17) In chains (Eph 6:20) LEARN 1) How do you answer the questions that the passage raises? 7 Tychicus will tell them when he visits. Paul is commending him like this because of the importance of the visit – the well-being of Onesimus. 8 ‘the express purpose’ is knowing how Paul is and knowing what he wants: a welcome for Onesimus. Hearts ‘encouraged’ because they are tempted to be fearful. 9 Onesimus is also called a dear brother to identify him as part of the family in Christ. They are imprisoned and rejoicing in the Lord. 10 Mark is timid (?) therefore care for him. They must have known Barnabus – at least by repute. Aristarchus, Mark & Jesus Justus are the only Jews with Paul then? 11 The kingdom of God – a Jewish concept following the appearance of the Messiah. A comfort or exhortation to retain his Jewish roots (not traditions) 12 Fully assured of your situation means ‘hidden in Christ’ 3:3. 13 Epaphras hadn’t left them for greater things? 17 Archippus had received some ministry in the church (?) He needed a reminder because the work was ‘unsavoury’(?) 18 He ‘wrote this in His own hand’ showing all that had been written was from him ‘remember my chains’ was an encouragement to follow his example - rejoice in all circumstances. He means that all your acts should be informed by the grace of God to you. 47
2) How do you resolve issues that surprised or confused you? The Jews have been an exhortation to remember the Old Covenant’s fulfilment in the New (not its tradition) 3) Give an overall ‘picture’ of the passage in a few sentences. Receive Tychicus, as well as Onesimus, from us (7-9). The Jews with me, who have exhorted me to remember our roots, greet you (10,11). Your Epaphras who, I can assure you, is rooting for all in your area, greets you along with Luke and Demas (12-14). Greet the church in Laodicea and the one that meets in Nympha’s house (15). Share your letters with the church from Laodicea (16). Tell Archippus ‘be sure and do what the Lord sets before you’ (17). I write this all as an apostle. Let God’s grace fill you. (18) LISTEN 1) What is the lesson or the main point? The apostle Paul wrote this, triumphant though in chains charging the Colossians to be filled with God’s grace. 2) Which verse best sums up the message of the passage? I, Paul, write this greeting with my own hand. Remember my chains. Grace be with you (18) LIVE 1) What does it show about God (Father, Son, Holy Spirit)? a) His nature and character? 7 God holds all His peoples existence together in Himself 11 God includes all His people as workers in His Kingdom 12 The will of God is to be discerned confidently 16 The Word of God is to be shared 17 Work for God is ‘in the Lord’ b) His grace? 18 The grace of Jesus is our hallmark Transmit the grace of Jesus c) Jesus and His salvation? 12 Jesus, is the Jewish Messiah, 48
2) What should I do? 7 Share the news about our brothers in the Gospel Endorse one another, publicly. 8 Let news of my life in Christ encourage other believers. 10 Welcome those who come in the name of the Lord 12 Struggle in prayer Pray for believers that they may stand firm in the will of God, mature and fully assured. 12/14 Pass on greetings. 15 Keep in touch with local Christians. 17 Complete what God has given me to do. 18 Pass on greetings personally. 49
50 Colossians LG Web 18 1009.docx
Sharing the Word Use ‘Hearing the Word’ can be used alone, with one other person, or in a group Preparing for a group Time put in alone beforehand will greatly benefit time spent together. Work through the stages - LOOK, LEARN, LISTEN, LIVE. Write down your own questions and answers * A format If you have 45 mins together, you might like to try dividing it up like this. (If longer or in a large group, you can extend the times) 1) Drink, bite to eat, chat (10 mins) 2) A Bible reading ( 2 mins) 3) A Bible study a. Any questions? (Whether answer is known or not!) ( 2 mins) (Don’t answer any, till all questions noted!) b. Any relevant cross references? ( 2 mins) c. Discussion of answers (13 mins) d. Conclusion (10 mins) i. A Key verse and Main Point? ii. What does it show about God / Jesus? iii. What should I do? 4) Sharing (Trials and joys – family, work, self) ( 5 mins) 5) Prayer ( 1 min) Remember! As we gather round God’s Word a) Listen to the views of others b) Make room for the novice. They can join in too when you start by listing ‘Any questions’ c) Don’t let the ‘knowledgeable’ dominate. Encourage everyone to think for themselves. d) Try to include others’ especially, ‘seekers’ in your sharing together. * The process is explained and practised in a four-hour course, suitable for all, called ‘An Introduction to ‘Hearing the Word’. Email: [email protected]
“I can read the Bible for myself!” To show that the Bible is accessible to all, the Rev Nigel Barge, minister of Torrance Parish Church, has devised a tool called ‘Hearing the Word’. The Manual explains the basic principles of Bible reading, teaches them by means of an interactive course, and practices them on a single passage, Mark 10:35-45, Participants follow in a Workbook: Hearing the Word - Introduction, which includes the next six passages in Mark, so they may follow on for themselves. As the principles apply equally to all, the course will both instruct the novice and refresh the ‘hardened’ Bible student! Further Study Guides cover various genres of Bible material – Narrative, Poetry, Law, Letters, Prophecy etc. For the current list of material or to place orders, contact Hearing the Word, Torrance Parish Church Office 1, School Road, Torrance, GLASGOW, G64 4BZ Tel: 01360 620970 Email: [email protected] Web www.torranceparishchurch.org.uk Torrance Parish Church, Scottish Charity #SC016058, part of the Church of Scotland
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