Bible Study Questions
Colossians 1:28-29

Gaining Maturity in Christ

Paul J. Bucknell
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Our ideas of everything seem to be modern and up-to-date except our understanding of Christ’s importance and what the church should be diligently busy about.

“28 And we proclaim Him, admonishing every man and teaching every man with all wisdom, that we may present every man complete in Christ. 29 And for this purpose also I labor, striving according to His power, which mightily works within me” (Colossians 1:28-29, NASB).

The Message (Colossians 1:28)

What is to be proclaimed (Col 1:28a)? Why?
How does Paul clarify what it means to proclaim Christ (Col 1:28)? What is the difference of each term?
What is the difference in teaching and “teaching with all wisdom” (1:28)?
From this verse, how would you say that people are to grow in Christ?
Application: People are often cautioning preachers not to offend their listeners by speaking about certain topics, speaking about judgment, or not praying in the name of Jesus. What has happened to our confidence in the supremacy of Christ and His ability to really help mankind?

The Goal (Colossians 1:28d)

What is the goal of our Christian lives (1:28)?
What is the task of Christian pastors and teachers (1:28)?
What does it mean to be “complete in Christ” (1:28)?
Application: Is this kind of change possible? How should we integrate this goal into our life purposes and spiritual disciplines?

The Effort (Colossians 1:29)

How devoted was the Apostle Paul in carrying out this purpose? How do we know?
What does it mean to be “striving according to His power?” Give an example of both when striving with His power and not by His power.
Paul seems to have sensed God’s power wonderfully working in his life. Have you ever sensed this? Do you think this is something all of us should experience as His people? Why or why not?
Application: Paul was, of course, called to preach but most of us are not called by God in the same way. How should this passion, however, touch and assist us in the tasks God has set us too?

Advanced Study Questions

Do you know of any churches that take this goal seriously?
How can discipleship and mentoring help us implement it? How so?

No nobler message than Christ. Why do we not speak about it more often?

No Higher goal than being complete in Christ. Why not make this goal clearer?

No greater Work to labor toward than building up Christians. Why aren’t you seriously involved?

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