Holy Curiosity: Church Letters

August 14: Church Stories - Colossians 3-4

Reflect

What special challenges would be experienced by such a faith community, especially one composed of new Christians?

What are the behaviors associated with being clothed in Christ?  Think about stories about Jesus and the things he taught that  provide the source for this list of behaviors.

What is the relationship between these behaviors and the guidance given to family relationships in 3:18-24?

Connect

The family relationships in Colossians 3:18 - 21 are based off of Roman household codes.  I wonder how these family relationships described in this passage are similar and/or different from your own family relationships?  Are these family relationships still relevant to us today?  Why or why not?

How has forgiveness impacted your life?  This could be forgiving yourself and/or others.  Share a time you either forgave yourself and/or another person with someone close to you.  

Act  

Colossians 3:12 instructs us to “clothe [ourselves] with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience.”  I wonder what that really means to you?   Brainstorm a list of actions and/ or ideas of what that really means to you, taking into account your own identities, history and experiences, and context.  Then, share that list with a friend and/or family member, and, together, carry out one of those actions.  

Factoid/Digging Deeper

Digging deeper- Watch this 6 minute video to better understand cultural, historical, and situational context of Epistles

https://bibleproject.com/explore/video/new-testament-letters-epistles-historical-context/?utm_source=web_social_share&medium=shared_video 

Intrigued?  Watch this 6 minute video to better understand the literary context

https://bibleproject.com/explore/video/new-testament-letters-literary-context/?utm_source=web_social_share&medium=shared_video

 

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