Colossians 2:6-10

Questions:

1. How is verse 6 a great summary of the Christian life? What does it mean to be rooted in our faith, and how is that achieved? What is the relationship between being rooted in our faith and being built up and established in our faith? (2 Peter 1:3-9; 1 Thessalonians 4:1-8; Colossians 1:9-10).

2. What is Paul trying to remind the Colossians (and us) of when he writes “as you received Christ Jesus [who is] the Lord”(v6) and “just as you were taught”(v7)? How does this help us avoid being captured by teachings that are not “according to Christ”?

3. Philosophy means love of wisdom, but in Paul's day, it could also refer to teachings and religions (or religious sects). How would you summarise what all religions and philosophies are trying to achieve? How is the teaching according to Christ different from all other religions and philosophies? (Consider John 1:14; 1 John 1:1-2; Hebrews 1:1-2.)

4. Why is it dangerous to put human traditions on the same authoritative level as Scripture, especially when it comes to matters of salvation? (Matthew 23:25-26; Mark 7:1-13)

5. John Piper talks about “the guardian of gratitude.” How is "abounding in thanksgiving"(v7) a great guardian to keep us from chasing or being deceived by philosophies and empty deceit that promise much in this life yet are meaningless in the end?

6. How are verses 9 and 10 an encouragement for Christians to hold fast to Jesus in hard times and also when we don’t ‘feel’ anything (i.e., when we feel God is distant or our joy wanes)?