Colossians 2:1-3

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TALKS FOR GROWING CHRISTIANS

The Importance that Paul Placed on Prayer

BACKGROUND NOTES



DOCTRINAL POINT(S)

  1. The nature of prayer is more than serene repose.

  2. The scope of prayer is more than self interest.

  3. The content of prayer is more than secular concerns.

PRACTICAL APPLICATION

  1. All that you ever need is found in Christ.

  2. Tell people that you’re praying for them.

QUESTIONS

  1. What did Paul mean when he wrote about the great conflict he was in for the believers?

  2. Which cities were in the tri-city area for which Paul was praying? Had he met all of these believers personally?

  3. List the three aspects of prayer that can be gleaned from this portion of Scripture.

  4. Describe the conflict in prayer concerning a. the flesh b. the spiritual battle with the forces of evil

  5. Paul prayed about the spiritual needs of the churches. What were these needs, specifically?

ANSWERS

  1. It means that Paul was in the conflict of prayer. He was concerned that the Colossian believers would be taken in by false teachings in the area.

  2. Laodicea, Hierapolis and Colossae. No, but he prayed for them being aware of their needs.

  3. a. the nature of prayer b. the scope of prayer c. the content of prayer

  4. a. the flesh – we tend to be lazy and prayer is work b. spiritual battle – we wrestle against the forces of evil; it is spiritual warfare

  5. That their hearts might be comforted and knit in love. He prayed that they would mature and be able to stand against false teachings.

DISCUSS/CONSIDER

  1. Is there value in telling others that you are praying for them?

  2. “In Christ are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.” Colossians 2:3. Do you really believe this? How does your life reflect this belief?

  3. If you have not sensed a conflict in your prayer life, consider the reasons. Determine to be more serious in this battle, realizing that true prayer is a conflict (check out the two aspects here—your casualness or perseverance in prayer, and the struggle against spiritual forces of evil).

CHALLENGE

  1. Look at your prayer life for others relative to its nature, scope and content. It might help to think of a specific person, and then to jot down your prayer requests for him/her. How can your prayers better fit the biblical pattern of prayer? Are you in the habit of praying primarily for secular needs?

KEY VERSES

  • “In Christ are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.” Colossians 2:3



Colossians, New Testament, TalksDeb HarmsColossians 2:1-3