Fruitful

Colossians 1:1-8 | Ben Potloff | A special relationship existed between Paul, Timothy, and the Christians in and around Colossae. Considering Colossian, you are faced with the beauty of a local church established in the gospel and growing in the grace of the Lord Jesus. In the opening of the letter, we see the power of the grace of God in the lives of his people.MAIN IDEAThe gospel bears fruit.OUTLINEI. Faith and love come from the hope of the gospel (vv. 1-5a)II. Faith and love come from the hearing of the gospel (vv. 5b-8)DISCUSSION QUESTIONS1. Paul starts this letter by stating his apostleship and appointment by the will of God. Why is it important for the reader to understand Paul’s role and authority? Does Paul continue to expound on his authority throughout the letter? What other aspects of his relationship with the church does he write about in these opening verses? What effect would this have on the Colossian believers?2. This letter is written to believers, fellow Christians who have already placed their faith in Christ, though not directly through Paul’s ministry. Does this influence how Paul addresses them? How does Paul feel about these people? What can we learn from this and apply to our own interactions with others?3. Paul prayed for the believers at Colossae with love, appreciation, and dedication, though he didn’t know them as individuals. What are effective ways we can pray beyond our circles of family and friends? How can we make praying for people we don’t know more personal and meaningful? Does praying for people we don’t know change how we think and feel about them?4. In verses 4-8, Paul describes a few characteristics of the Colossians that show the sincerity of their faith in Jesus. What attributes in our lives demonstrate the authenticity of our relationship with Jesus? Does recognizing Christ in the lives of people around you encourage your own commitment?5. Why is it important for the Gospel to always be bearing fruit in our lives? What does being fruitful mean? How can we evaluate this in ourselves? What are key requirements for being fruitful?