1. SEARCH THE SCRIPTURES

2. RECAP OF OUR LAST STUDY
“Believers’ joy and confidence in Christ”:We all have needs; however faith in God and moderation distinguish believers from unbelievers. Always present your requests to God with the assurance that He will “supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus”. We should give our lives, time and money for the progress of the gospel. Courtesy, humility and appreciation for our fellow brethren should lubricate our Christian machinery.

3. TODAY’S STUDY: LESSON 751: THE TRANSFORMING POWER OF THE GOSPEL
MEMORY VERSE: …… “For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to everyone that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek” (Romans 1:16). TEXT: Colossians 1:1-11

4. INTRODUCTION
Paul wrote to the Colossian believers from prison. Colosse was located east of Ephesus and was noted for idolatry. The church was established with remarkable evidence of transformation through the gospel. However, false teachers came in, teaching against the simplicity of the gospel and Christ’s pre-eminence. This moved Paul to write and warn them. He emphasised Christ’s sufficiency for our redemption and that those who believe in Him are complete in Him.
QUESTION 1: What was Paul’s motive in writing the epistle to the Colossians? – Colossians 1:14; Colossians 2: 8-10

5. PAUL’S ADDRESS AND SALUTATION TO THE CHURCH Colossians 1: 1-2
Paul ascribed his apostleship to God’s will and grace, not his merit, strength or will. Before becoming Christ’s apostle, he was saved by grace. To be a servant of God, we need the grace that brings salvation. His letter was to the saints in Colosse. Saints are genuine Christians; that is those that have been washed in the blood of Jesus. He greeted these believers with divine grace and peace.
QUESTION 2: Why were believers called saints in the early church? – 1 Peter 1:15-16; Titus 2:14; John 17:17

6. PAUL’S THANKSGIVING TO GOD FOR THE COLOSSIAN CHRISTIANS : Colossians 1:3-8
Paul gave thanks to God for the Colossian Christians having seen the transformation in their lives through the preaching of the gospel (Gal.5:22-23). Epaphras was an instrument in preaching. He was faithful in preaching the truth and protected the brethren from false doctrines. Faithful preaching and teaching of the gospel, supported with unceasing prayer will definitely lead to testimony of changed lives. This will in turn lead to praise and giving of thanks to God.

7. PAUL’S THANKSGIVING TO GOD FOR THE COLOSSIAN CHRISTIANS : Colossians 1:3-8
QUESTION 3: What can Christians learn from Epaphras’ ministry in Colosse despite threats by false teachers? – Col. 1:7-8; Gal. 2:5.
QUESTION 4: What should believers thank God for? – Col. 1: 3-4; Romans 1:8; Psalms 118:1-4

8. PAUL’S PRAYER FOR SPIRITUAL GROWTH OF THE CHURCH Colossians 1:9-11
Paul’s prayer for the church centred on their spiritual lives. It is spiritual blessings that establish believers in the truth and keep them from erroneous teachings. His prayer requests reveal how believers should pray scripturally, fervently and effectively to God for the church. It is spiritual knowledge, understanding, wisdom and strength that are needed to overcome temptations and the tempter, that help to be steadfast in the Lord and serve faithfully till the end.
QUESTION 5: Why does a believer need spiritual strength? – 1 Timothy 6:12; Ephesians 6:10-11,1 Corinthians 15:58

9. CONCLUSION
The gospel always brings transformation of lives. To realize this, we must uphold its truth and defend its purity against falsehood and false teachers. Believers are called to be saints. We are to be faithful to God, to our calling and to the gospel. Our priority in prayer should be on spiritual blessings. This enables our fruitfulness, usefulness and continuity till Jesus comes.