Thanks for joining me on an exciting study in Paul’s letter to the Colossians! For quick reference, the videos, session notes, study guides, and bonus material will be available below.

My recommendation is to use the study guide for each session BEFORE you listen/watch. Engage with the text and allow the Spirit of God to give you insight and wisdom about the passage before hearing someone else talk about it.

Definitions
Study Guide: a self-guided study through the material which will be covered in the session
Session Notes: notes and material Nathan used to teach from in the session

Jump to a Session

Bonus: Bible Study Helps

Here are two foundational concepts that are important to understand as we come to study the Word together.

Session 1: Colossians Introduction

The book of Colossians is an incredible book focusing on Jesus being first place in all things. In this introduction to the book, Nathan Johnson examines the author, audience, and the small church in the city of Colossae as we prepare to study the book together. 

Session 2: Colossians Bookends

As we finish looking at the overall picture of Colossians, we examine the associates of Paul in his postscript at the end of the book. Understanding the bookends of Colossians will help us better grasp the incredible truth that Jesus is to be preeminent in all things at all times.

Session 3: Faith, Hope, Love, and the Gospel
(Colossians 1:3-8)

Christians are to be known for their faith in Christ and their love for the saints. But this is impossible unless we have a proper understanding of the Gospel and have experienced its power in our lives. In this message, Nathan discusses Colossians 1:3-8 and Paul’s introduction to the believers living in Colossae.

Session 4: Knowing God’s Will
(Colossians 1:9-11)

Christians have access to the knowledge of God’s will … but knowing His will is not enough, we must live it out. In Colossians 1:9-14, Paul declares that the only way you can live out the will of God is to be strengthened by the power of God. In this message, Nathan Johnson explores the path of redemption, examining the prayer of Paul on behalf of the Colossians and how we too can live out the Christian life—for we are no longer in the domain of darkness but in the Kingdom of the Beloved Son.

Session 5: The Transfer of Kingdoms
(Colossians 1:12-14, 21-23)

Paul summarizes the entirety of the Gospel in a simple phrase: “[God] rescued us from the authority of darkness, and transferred us to the kingdom of the Son of His love.” This profound phrase is more than a bumper sticker slogan to memorize but the Christian’s reality to be experienced. In this expositional message from Colossians 1:12-14 and 21-23, Nathan Johnson expounds upon this tremendous reality and exhorts us to remain grounded and steadfast in Christ.

Session 6: The Mystery of Godliness
(Colossians 1:15-17)

Jesus is God in the flesh … and thus has made God known to humanity in a relational and intimate way. This “mystery of godliness” is a profound concept, but one that must be grasped in order to fully understand Jesus Christ and all He has done on our behalf. In this expositional message from Colossians 1:15-17, Nathan Johnson discusses this great mystery of godliness and explains four key characteristics of who Jesus is that Paul presents in the passage.

Session 7: The Preemenience of Christ!
(Colossians 1:18-20)

Christ alone is to have first place in all things. He is preeminent! In what may be one of the greatest descriptions of Jesus, Colossians 1:15-20 declares that Jesus alone is to have the priority of our lives. Join Nathan Johnson in this expositional message to explore what it means for Jesus to have first place in all things at all moments of every day.

Session 8: The Ministry of the Mystery
(Colossians 1:24-2:7)

God made Paul a minister so he might preach the marvelous message of the mystery of Christ. In this expositional message on Colossians 1:24-2:7, we explore this glorious mystery of “Christ in us” and how this mystery has been “hidden from the past ages and generations, but has now been manifested to His saints.”

Session 9: The Struggle and the Suffering
(Colossians 1:24-2:7)

Struggles and suffering is simply abundant in the Christian life. We are not promised ease and safety, rather we have the hope of comfort and joy amidst the difficulties and hardships of life. When we as believers live fully for Christ, we will face persecution and trials—which Paul says we should embrace and delight in. But how? In this expositional message from Colossians 1:24-2:7 we examine the struggle and suffering of Paul and how we too can delight in difficulty and triumph in any tribulation.

Session 10: Beware of Four “Spiritual” Distractions
(Colossians 2:8-23)

Distractions abound around us, even seemingly good and spiritual ones. Yet as Paul cautions the Colossians, we are to beware of anything that draws us away from Christ (even if it is spiritual and good in and of itself). Join Nathan Johnson in this expositional study of Colossians 2:8-23 as we examine four false teachings the church at Colossae were embracing, and how we must guard ourselves against the very same distractions and doctrine.

Session 11: Slay the Selfish
(Colossians 3:1-11)

Unless our faith and doctrine move beyond head knowledge into practical living, what good is Christianity? Paul is adamant that if we are to make Jesus first (preeminent) in every area of our lives, it must become practical. In this expositional study of Colossians 3:1-11, Nathan Johnson begins to talk about practically demonstrating the life of Christ as we slay the selfish and remove everything in our lives that doesn’t look like Him. 

Session 12: Whatever You Do!
(Colossians 3:12-17)

As Christians, our lives must reflect the life and character of our King. Paul says, “whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus.” In an age where Christians live for themselves, we must be conformed to the image of Christ and allow His light and life to shine forth from our lives. In this expositional study of Colossians 3:12-17, we explore what it means to put on the Lord Jesus Christ and for His life to practically be demonstrated and seen in “whatever you do.”

Session 13: Practical Holiness in Relationships
(Colossians 3:18-4:1)

Relationships are difficult. Yet as believers, we are to walk in practical holiness and honor in every relationship—especially in marriage, family, and our workplaces. In this expositional study of Colossians 3:18-4:1, Nathan Johnson discusses these three important relational arenas of life and how Paul commands us to live as Christ within the complexities of relationships. 

Session 14: Prayer and Proclamation
(Colossians 4:2-6)

Earlier in Colossians, Paul declares that we have been transferred from the domain of darkness and brought into the Kingdom of the Beloved Son (Jesus)! As such, the hope of the Gospel should be flowing from our lives and lips. In this final study in Colossians, we examine Colossians 4:2-6 and talk about Paul’s earnest desire that we devote ourselves to pray and the proclamation of the Gospel of Christ.

Bonus: Final Thoughts

I’d love to hear your thoughts on the Colossians study—your reflections, what God taught you, and/or insights you gained from your personal study in the book. Drop me a line at feedback@deeperChristian.com. Thanks again for joining me in this study! Know I am praying for you as you continue to make Jesus Christ first place in everything.

Bonus: Downloads

Here are several bonus downloads that I hope will prove a blessing to your spiritual life:

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