1.      What Jewish practices were the false teachers using as a gauge of the genuineness of the profession of faith of the Colossians (vs.16)? How does the church today use religious behavior in an unbiblical way to evaluate the genuineness of other people’s Christian faith?

2.      How do the rituals that Paul identifies in this passage foreshadow the coming of Christ (vv. 16-17; Rom. 8:5; 10:1-10)? Why would it be tempting for religious and nonreligious people to rely on these for salvation and spiritual growth?

  

3.      What other activities were the false teachers insisting the Colossians practice in order to become mature in their faith (vs. 18)? How might the modern expressions of these practices be attractive and yet enslaving?

4.      What prescription does Paul give the Colossians for spiritual growth (vs. 19; Col. 1:18)? How is this a stark contrast to what the false teachers prescribe for the Colossians?

5.      What practical difference does Paul say the death of Christ makes in your life (vs. 20)? How does Paul contrast the wisdom of Christ with the wisdom of false teachers in relationship to our salvation (vv. 18, 23)?