How can one “set your mind on things that are above” while still living here below in creation?
Colossians 3:8-14 provides examples of behaviors to get rid of anew new ones to take on. What are some of the negative, old ways of living that you want to take off? What are some of the new ways of living you want to put on? (LSB, p. 1940)
Colossians 3:11 has often been read as a hopeful declaration of equality. Consider what about you or in your background you value for its diversity (ex. ethnic heritage, family legacy, occupation, etc.) – can you imagine a way in which this declaration and similar ones in Pauline literature might be read as hurtful? If so, how might we as Christ’s Church respond to these readings?
Consider Colossians 3:13-14 in light of our ongoing conversations about judgment. How are we to live together in relationship with one another? With other Christians? With non-Christians?
Colossians 3:16-17 could be the theme verse for Christian Education. What would change in your life if you took these words completely seriously?
In 3:18-4:1 Paul describes some guidelines for how people of a household should treat one another. How does faith in Christ affect your family relationships? Your other relationships? (LSB, p. 1940)
Wednesday, May 19, 2010
Wednesday, May 12, 2010
For Thursday (5/13): Colossians 1-2
Which came first: salvation or good works? In the Church this can often be a "chicken or the egg" kind of question. What does the author of Colossians say (cf.1:3-14)?
Colossians 1:21-23 expands upon this relationship. The provision mentioned in v. 23 is unique in Pauline literature. How does it help to interpret the relationship between salvation and good works? (see also 2:6-7)
What is meant by "the kingdom of [God's] beloved son" (1:13)? The verb used is in the past tense -- in what ways are we already there?
Refer back to the Nicene Creed (ELW, p. 104). What echoes of this Scripture (1:15-17) do you hear in this text? In recent ecumenical conversation the Nicene Creed has gained more attention because of the Third article and the relationship between the Son and the Spirit. Why is this important? What is the relationship between Scripture and Creeds to you? How can Scripture help guide these conversations?
Read again Paul's desire for all the churches in Colossae and Laodicea in 2:2. What might it mean for our [Christian] "hearts to be united in love." What might it mean for our church? Our world?
What "plausible arguments" (2:4, 8, 16-19) are in danger of deceiving / destroying the unity in Christ in our present church?
Colossians 1:21-23 expands upon this relationship. The provision mentioned in v. 23 is unique in Pauline literature. How does it help to interpret the relationship between salvation and good works? (see also 2:6-7)
What is meant by "the kingdom of [God's] beloved son" (1:13)? The verb used is in the past tense -- in what ways are we already there?
Refer back to the Nicene Creed (ELW, p. 104). What echoes of this Scripture (1:15-17) do you hear in this text? In recent ecumenical conversation the Nicene Creed has gained more attention because of the Third article and the relationship between the Son and the Spirit. Why is this important? What is the relationship between Scripture and Creeds to you? How can Scripture help guide these conversations?
Read again Paul's desire for all the churches in Colossae and Laodicea in 2:2. What might it mean for our [Christian] "hearts to be united in love." What might it mean for our church? Our world?
What "plausible arguments" (2:4, 8, 16-19) are in danger of deceiving / destroying the unity in Christ in our present church?
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
Posts
