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?
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
Posts
No comments:
Post a Comment