Purpose
To encourage class members to develop the characteristics of true followers of Jesus Christ.
Preparation
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Read, ponder, and pray about the following scriptures:
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Philippians. Paul thanks the Saints in Philippi for aid they have sent him and encourages them to be unified, faithful followers of Christ.
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Colossians 1. Paul reminds the Saints in Colosse that redemption comes only through Jesus Christ.
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Colossians 2:1–8, 16–23; 3; 4. Paul teaches the Colossian Saints about things they should do and attributes they should develop as the elect of God.
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Philemon. Paul encourages Philemon to be forgiving toward Onesimus, a runaway slave.
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Additional reading: Bible Dictionary, “Pauline Epistles: Epistle to the Philippians,” 745–46; “Pauline Epistles: Epistle to the Colossians,” 746; and “Pauline Epistles: Epistle to Philemon,” 746.
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Suggestion for teaching: A lesson outline or scripture block may contain more material than you have time to use in class. As you prepare each lesson, prayerfully decide which doctrines and principles are most useful for your class. Plan to teach these first, including other parts of the lesson if time is available. As you teach, however, be sensitive to the Spirit and flexible enough to change your plan if you feel prompted to do so.
Suggested Lesson Development
Additional Teaching Ideas
The following material supplements the suggested lesson outline. You may want to use one or more of these ideas as part of the lesson.
1. Relationships between parents and children
Have a class member read Colossians 3:20–21.
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According to Paul, what is a child’s obligation to his or her parents? What is the parents’ obligation to a child? How can you improve the relationship between parents and children in your family?
2. “Ye serve the Lord Christ” (Colossians 3:24)
Have a class member read Colossians 3:23–24.
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How can we follow Paul’s instructions in these verses? (See also Matthew 25:34–40.) What difference might this attitude make in how we serve?