bigidearesources.com · Web view15 The Son is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. 16 For in him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth,

Big Idea MapColossians (Title TBD)

SERIES OVERVIEWPaul is writing to an audience he’s never met. He never went to Colosse, a city in what is

modern day Turkey. Colosse was destroyed by an earthquake in 60AD and never

rebuilt.

Paul writes this letter because some people in Colosse were teaching that there was a

secret society with special knowledge that others didn’t have. Paul confronts this false

teaching by holding up the true gospel of Jesus.

The overarching theme of Colossians is “The supremacy of Christ.” Paul is boldly

declaring: “Jesus is Lord over everything!”

And yet the great mystery is that this Lord of heaven and earth is “Christ in you, the hope

of glory” (1:27). Through the Holy Spirit, Jesus resides in the life of every one of his

followers. He is “Christ in you.” He is “Christ in me.”

And this powerful truth changes everything about how we live. Because Christ is in us,

we are to:

Grow in Christ

Live in Christ

Love in Christ

Because Christ is in us, everything about our lives is now lived in him.

Static Research Requests (in order of priority):

Commentary (WORD) on key passages.

Relevant quotes that correspond with Big Idea.

Intro/hook ideas (WOW) that correspond with Big Idea.

Illustrations/metaphors that correspond with the Big Idea.

Practical responses/applications ideas. (WHAT NOW?)

Pertinent brain/social science insight.

Big Idea Resources 1


WEEK 1 | JULY 26, 2020 | CHRIST IN YOUScripture: Colossians 1:15-27, John 14:16-24 (Support text)

MESSAGE BIG IDEAJesus, Lord of heaven and earth, makes his home in us.

15 The Son is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. 16 For in him

all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether

thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things have been created through him and

for him. 17 He is before all things, and in him all things hold together. 18 And he is the

head of the body, the church; he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead,

so that in everything he might have the supremacy. 19 For God was pleased to have all

his fullness dwell in him, 20 and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether

things on earth or things in heaven, by making peace through his blood, shed on the

cross. 21 Once you were alienated from God and were enemies in your minds because

of your evil behavior. 22 But now he has reconciled you by Christ’s physical body

through death to present you holy in his sight, without blemish and free from accusation

— 23 if you continue in your faith, established and firm, and do not move from the hope

held out in the gospel. This is the gospel that you heard and that has been proclaimed to

every creature under heaven, and of which I, Paul, have become a servant. 24 Now I

rejoice in what I am suffering for you, and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard

to Christ’s afflictions, for the sake of his body, which is the church. 25 I have become its

servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullness

— 26 the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations, but is now

disclosed to the Lord’s people. 27 To them God has chosen to make known among the

Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory. -

Colossians 1:15-27

16 “And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another advocate to help you and be

with you forever— 17 the Spirit of truth. The world cannot accept him, because it neither

sees him nor knows him. But you know him, for he lives with you and will be in you. 18 I

will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you. 19 Before long, the world will not see

me anymore, but you will see me. Because I live, you also will live. 20 On that day you



will realize that I am in my Father, and you are in me, and I am in you. 21 Whoever has

my commands and keeps them is the one who loves me. The one who loves me will be

loved by my Father, and I too will love them and show myself to them.”

22 Then Judas (not Judas Iscariot) said, “But, Lord, why do you intend to show yourself

to us and not to the world?” 23 Jesus replied, “Anyone who loves me will obey my

teaching. My Father will love them, and we will come to them and make our home with

them. 24 Anyone who does not love me will not obey my teaching. These words you

hear are not my own; they belong to the Father who sent me. -John 14:15-24

MESSAGE DESCRIPTIONToday’s passage lays the foundation for the rest of what Paul will say in Colossians. In

the same way, this first message will be the foundation for the following three weeks in

the series.

The overarching theme of Colossians is “the supremacy of Christ.” That is the focus of

verses 15-20. Paul is establishing the truth that Jesus is Lord of creation, Lord of the

church, Lord over everything!

In a word, when Jesus looks out at everything in heaven and on earth, he could rightfully

say, “MINE!”

“...there is not a square inch in the whole domain of our human existence over which

Christ, who is Sovereign over all, does not cry: ‘Mine!’” - Abraham Kuyper

And yet the problem is that although Christ is supreme, we’ve lived as if we were.

Commentator Mark Maynell writes:

“Ever since Genesis 3, the root cause of all that is wrong in the world–from the grand

scale of empires and nations right down to the personal level of playground bullies and

marital conflict–is simple. It is sin. This is the human heart-attitude that consistently

chooses to go it alone. It is a matter of creatures declaring independence from the

Creator. We insist that we don’t need God or his ways in our lives. Everything needs to

be done our way. That is treason of a cosmic order. The problem then is that everyone

plays the same game, and the results are horrendous. Just read a newspaper. If



everyone is asserting their independence and supremacy over everyone else, people

will get hurt.” -Mark Meynell - Colossians & Philemon for You

Our rebellion against God left us separated from him. But through Jesus’ work on the

cross, we can now be reconciled to God (1:20). This reconciliation overturns everything

that had gone wrong. When a person puts their faith in Jesus, they are declared holy,

without blemish, and free from accusation (1:22). They become a follower, an apprentice

of Jesus.

A Christ-follower declares, “I am no longer lord of my life, Jesus is Lord!”

Paul reminds the Colossians (and us) that this is the good news, the gospel of Christ.

And it includes a mystery that people for centuries could never have imagined. That

mystery is: “Christ in you, the hope of glory” (1:27). The Creator of the universe, the Lord

of heaven and earth, takes up residence in the life of every Christ-follower!

In a word, when Jesus looks at those who have chosen to follow him, he says, “HOME!!”

Through the Holy Spirit, Jesus resides in the life of every one of his followers. He is

“Christ in you.” He is “Christ in me.” And because Christ is in us, everything about our

lives is now lived in him (John 14:15-24).



WEEK 2 | AUGUST 2, 2020 | GROW IN CHRISTScripture: Colossians 1:28-2:7, Luke 8:4-15 (Support text)

MESSAGE BIG IDEAChrist is in you...so grow in Christ.

1:28 He is the one we proclaim, admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom, so

that we may present everyone fully mature in Christ. 29 To this end I strenuously

contend with all the energy Christ so powerfully works in me. 2:1 I want you to know how

hard I am contending for you and for those at Laodicea, and for all who have not met me

personally. 2 My goal is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love, so that

they may have the full riches of complete understanding, in order that they may know the

mystery of God, namely, Christ, 3 in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and

knowledge. 4 I tell you this so that no one may deceive you by fine-sounding arguments.

5 For though I am absent from you in body, I am present with you in spirit and delight to

see how disciplined you are and how firm your faith in Christ is. 6 So then, just as you

received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live your lives in him, 7 rooted and built up in

him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness.

- Colossians 1:28-2:7,

4 While a large crowd was gathering and people were coming to Jesus from town after

town, he told this parable: 5 “A farmer went out to sow his seed. As he was scattering

the seed, some fell along the path; it was trampled on, and the birds ate it up. 6 Some

fell on rocky ground, and when it came up, the plants withered because they had no

moisture. 7 Other seed fell among thorns, which grew up with it and choked the plants. 8

Still other seed fell on good soil. It came up and yielded a crop, a hundred times more

than was sown.” When he said this, he called out, “Whoever has ears to hear, let them

hear.” 9 His disciples asked him what this parable meant. 10 He said, “The knowledge of

the secrets of the kingdom of God has been given to you, but to others I speak in

parables, so that, “‘though seeing, they may not see; though hearing, they may not

understand.’ 11 “This is the meaning of the parable: The seed is the word of God. 12

Those along the path are the ones who hear, and then the devil comes and takes away

the word from their hearts, so that they may not believe and be saved. 13 Those on the



rocky ground are the ones who receive the word with joy when they hear it, but they

have no root. They believe for a while, but in the time of testing they fall away. 14 The

seed that fell among thorns stands for those who hear, but as they go on their way they

are choked by life’s worries, riches and pleasures, and they do not mature. 15 But the

seed on good soil stands for those with a noble and good heart, who hear the word,

retain it, and by persevering produce a crop. - Luke 8:4-15

MESSAGE DESCRIPTIONThe great mystery Paul points to in the first chapter of Colossians is: “Christ in you, the

hope of glory” (1:27). Through the Holy Spirit, the Creator of the universe, the Lord of

heaven and earth resides in the life of every one of his followers. He is “Christ in you.”

He is “Christ in me.”

And, Paul continues, this powerful truth should challenge us to GROW in Christ.

There are no graduates in the Christ-following life. No one ever “arrives”...at least not in

this life. There is never a time we don’t need admonishing and teaching (1:28). Paul

challenges the Colossians (and us) to grow as apprentices to Jesus (2:6-7).

Jesus, too, warned us that what we do with the truth we have learned matters. His

parable of the sower illustrates four ways we can respond to his Word. Only one of those

ways produces growth (Luke 4:8-15).

How intentional are you about growing in Christ?

This could be a message about the 3Cs challenging people to take a next step in one or

more of the 3Cs. We’d want to make sure these next steps include but go beyond

signing up for a Small Group and joining a Ministry Team. What does it look like to grow

in each of the 3Cs?

We could bring back the 3C Spiritual Growth Plan with updated next step suggestions.



Spiritual growth takes effort on our part, but it is not all about our effort. Paul reminds us

that as we put effort into growing, Christ will be powerfully at work in us (1:29). Growth is

a partnership.

The goal, Paul says, is to “present everyone fully mature in Christ” (1:28). Christ in us,

us in Christ. Spiritual writers have called this “union with Christ.”

“We were told we have the hope of glory, because Christ is in us (v 27). But now we are

told that we will be presented fully mature in Christ. Who is in whom? The answer is both

are in both!” -Mark Meynell - Colossians & Philemon for You

This concept of “union with Christ” could be illustrated with a Mobius strip. On a thin strip

of paper, write “Christ in us” on one side and “Us in Christ on the other. Twist it once and

tape the two ends together. If you start drawing a line on one side, you will eventually

join the line at its start. The two sides have become one side that goes on forever.



WEEK 3 | AUGUST 9, 2020 | LIVE IN CHRISTScripture: Colossians 3:1-14, John 14:1-4, John 14:15 (Support texts)

MESSAGE BIG IDEAChrist is in you...so live in Christ.

Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where

Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. 2 Set your minds on things above, not on

earthly things. 3 For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God. 4 When

Christ, who is your life, appears, then you also will appear with him in glory. 5 Put to

death, therefore, whatever belongs to your earthly nature: sexual immorality, impurity,

lust, evil desires and greed, which is idolatry. 6 Because of these, the wrath of God is

coming. 7 You used to walk in these ways, in the life you once lived. 8 But now you must

also rid yourselves of all such things as these: anger, rage, malice, slander, and filthy

language from your lips. 9 Do not lie to each other, since you have taken off your old self

with its practices 10 and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge

in the image of its Creator. 11 Here there is no Gentile or Jew, circumcised or

uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave or free, but Christ is all, and is in all.

12 Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with

compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. 13 Bear with each other and

forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord

forgave you. 14 And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in

perfect unity. - Colossians 3:1-14

“Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God; believe also in me. 2 My

Father’s house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am

going there to prepare a place for you? 3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will

come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am. 4 You know the

way to the place where I am going.” -John 14:1-4

15 “If you love me, keep my commands.” John 14:15







And, Paul continues, this powerful truth should challenge us to LIVE in Christ.

A Christ-following lifestyle flows from a Christ-formed identity. We live how we live (3:5-

14) because we are who we are (3:1-4).

Paul begins this section of his letter by reminding the Colossians (and us) the

astounding truth of who we are “in Christ.” What does it mean that we have been “raised

with Christ?”

“When Jesus rose from the dead, those in Christ rose with him. Where he goes, we go.

The extraordinary thing is that because Jesus then ascended to his heavenly throne and

sat down, we have too. In Christ, we are in heaven. Already. That is our true home.” -

Mark Meynell - Colossians & Philemon for You

Jesus promised that our home would be with him (John 14:1-4). Paul tells us to set our

heart and minds on these “things above.” This means to meditate on them, value them,

prioritize them, let them shape and influence our lives in the here and now.

He then goes on to address some specific ways our Christ-formed identity should

influence our Christ-following lifestyle. Paul is not making “rules” in the next few

paragraphs, he’s simply saying, “Be who you are!” We live how we live because we are

who we are.

The lists that follow contrast “on earth” things with “above” things. Paul insists that the

former is incompatible with living as a Christ-follower and the latter is evidence of a

Christ-formed identity.



There are no “or else” statements in Paul’s argument. Only “because you are…” live like

this! Illustration Idea: Contrast parenting styles: “Don’t lie or else…” (punitive focused)

with “Smith children don’t lie...” (Identity focused).

It is for this same reason that Jesus said, “If you love me, keep my commands.”

We live how we live because we are who we are. A Christ-following lifestyle flows from a

Christ-formed identity.

This message could lead to a time of repentance/realignment in the service.



WEEK 4 | AUGUST 16, 2020 | LOVE IN CHRISTScripture: Colossians 3:15-4:1, 4:2-6, Matthew 22:34-40 (Support text)

MESSAGE BIG IDEAChrist is in you...so love as Christ.

15 Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were

called to peace. And be thankful. 16 Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly

as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and

songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts. 17 And whatever you

do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God

the Father through him. 18 Wives, submit yourselves to your husbands, as is fitting in

the Lord. 19 Husbands, love your wives and do not be harsh with them. 20 Children,

obey your parents in everything, for this pleases the Lord. 21 Fathers, do not embitter

your children, or they will become discouraged. 22 Slaves, obey your earthly masters in

everything; and do it, not only when their eye is on you and to curry their favor, but with

sincerity of heart and reverence for the Lord. 23 Whatever you do, work at it with all your

heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, 24 since you know that you will

receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving. 25

Anyone who does wrong will be repaid for their wrongs, and there is no favoritism.

4:1 Masters, provide your slaves with what is right and fair, because you know that you

also have a Master in heaven. - Colossians 3:15-4:1

2 Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful. 3 And pray for us, too, that

God may open a door for our message, so that we may proclaim the mystery of Christ,

for which I am in chains. 4 Pray that I may proclaim it clearly, as I should. 5 Be wise in

the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity. 6 Let your

conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to

answer everyone. - Colossians 4:2-6

34 Hearing that Jesus had silenced the Sadducees, the Pharisees got together. 35 One

of them, an expert in the law, tested him with this question: 36 “Teacher, which is the

greatest commandment in the Law?”



37 Jesus replied: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and

with all your mind.’ 38 This is the first and greatest commandment. 39 And the second is

like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ 40 All the Law and the Prophets hang on these

two commandments.” -Matthew 22:34-40





And, Paul continues, this powerful truth should challenge us to LOVE in Christ.

In the same way that a Christ-following lifestyle flows from a Christ-formed identity

(Week 3)...

A Christ-following community flows from a Christ-formed identity.

We love how we love (3:15-4:1) because we are who we are (3:1-4).

Not only did Christ’s death and resurrection reconcile us to God (1:21-22), he also

redeemed our relationships with one another. There is no such thing as lone-ranger

Christianity. Yes, Jesus said, the greatest command is to love God, but then he said the

second is like it: “Love your neighbor as yourself.” (Matthew 22:34-50) A Christ-following

life is meant to be lived in a Christ-centered community marked by peace, thankfulness,

and gratitude (3:15-17).

Paul then goes on to describe what this redeemed community life could look like in a

household (3:15-4:1). “Household codes” were common in the ancient world.

Commentator Mark Maynell writes:

“In the Greek and Roman world, philosophers and ethical thinkers devoted a great deal

of time and effort to considering what constituted ‘the good life’...Somewhere along the

line, they would consider what would make for a good home in what are called

‘household codes’...In the ancient world, as in many parts of today’s world, three or even

four generations would share a home, as well as various servants. And that pattern was



not just for the rich. The Roman empire relied on slavery in the way we depend on fossil

fuels and transportation systems. Life without slaves was inconceivable. Paul was

clearly aware of these household codes in pagan philosophy, because he repeatedly

uses the form. But he certainly did not share the pagan worldview. He radically adapted

the form to make it profoundly Christian.” -Mark Meynell - Colossians & Philemon for

You

What is surprising is not that Paul includes a “Household Code” in his letter to

Colossians. After all, they were common in his day. What is surprising is that Paul’s

“Household Code” is completely counter-cultural.

Surprise #1 - Paul shows respect to women, children, and slaves. Under Roman law,

women, children, and slaves were things to be “owned.” Every previous household code

had been addressed deliberately and exclusively to the male head of the house.

Surprise #2 - Paul challenges males. Unlike the pagan household codes, Paul doesn’t

tell the men to make the women, children, or slaves do anything. Instead, Paul

challenges the men.

Though to modern ears, these household codes can seem old-fashioned (and even

offensive); to the Colossians they would have been revolutionary. The overarching point

of Paul’s instruction tears down the first-century notion of the male-dominated household

and instead declares, “Christ is Lord over all.” Notice all the commands are issued in the

name of Christ (3:17). Jesus alone holds ultimate authority over the home.

As we wrap up this series, we can land on the final instructions found in Colossians 4:2-

6. All Paul has said in this letter points forward to the mission. This is about the “Christ in

you” we are presenting to the world. Paul urges us to grow, live, and love in Christ so

that we can make the most of every opportunity to help people find their way back to

God.


Documents

bigidearesources.com · Web view15 The Son is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. 16 For in him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth,