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* GREETINGS AND THANKSGIVING (1--8)
1. Who was the author of this letter? What was his situation? (4:3,18) How does Paul identify himself? Who were the recipients of the letter? (2) How did the church at Colosse begin? (7,8; Ac 19:9b,10)

2. Why was Paul thankful for the Colossian believers? (3,4) What are the three virtues mentioned here, how are they interrelated, and why are they the essentials in Christian life? (4,5) How are they a testament to the power of the gospel? (6)

* PAUL'S PRAYER (9--12a)
3. What was Paul's prayer for them? (9) What was the purpose of his prayer? (10a)

4. What are the four ways in which we can please God? (10b--12) ["bearing fruit," "growing," "being strengthened," "giving thanks"] Why is knowing the will of God so important? (Php1:9,10)

* JESUS OUR REDEEMER (12b--14)
5. What is the great privilege Paul mentions, and how can we have it? (12b)

6. Read verses 13,14. What was our life like in the dominion of darkness? What has God done for us? What blessings have we received? What is the meaning of the redemption Paul mentions? (Jn 8:34--36; Lk 23:34a; Tit 2:14) Why is it such a great blessing?