Please pray for understanding and answer the following questions.
1. Read the Colossians passage again, also read Ezekiel 14:4-8, Ephesians 2:11-16, and Ephesians 4:17-24. These are the other verses in the Bible that use the same word ‘alienated’. What is the cause for alienation in each passage, and what results from the alienation? Who is the guilty party?
2. Consider the word reconciled. When is it necessary in relationships with other people and how is it accomplished?
3. The word for reconcile in the Greek means exchange. Read Hebrews 10:1-14. What is exchanged? In your own words, explain why we needed reconciliation in our relationship with God and how it was ultimately accomplished.
4. We’ve seen how much of this work was accomplished by God. Now in verse 23 we see our role in the process — remain/continue in faith. Considering all that we’ve talked about, what or who would possibly try to shift us away from the Gospel?
5. What specific attacks have come against your faith and hope, and what have you found to be helpful in “continuing in the faith”?
