Rooted: Colossians - Week 9

Preparation Before the Quake 

1. Devoted Prayer (4:2–4) “Continue steadfastly in prayer…”

2. Everyday Mission (4:5–6) “Walk in wisdom toward outsiders…”

3. Gospel Partnership (4:7–18)
A long list of names reminds us: faithfulness is rarely flashy—it’s local, relational, often unnoticed.

II. Zooming Out: The Whole Book of Colossians as Pre-Quake Preparation

1. A Cosmic Christ for a Collapsing World (Colossians 1:15–20) “He is before all things, and in Him all things hold together.”

2. Rooted and Built Up (2:6–7) “Rooted and built up in Him…”

3. Identity Secured in Christ (3:1–4) “Your life is hidden with Christ in God…”

4. Life in Community (3:12–17) “Put on… compassion, kindness, humility…”
A fractured city would need a united church. Forgiveness, patience, and peace were how they’d rebuild—not just homes, but hearts.

III. God’s Sovereignty in the Timing of Colossians

• Christ is Enough → when your job fails, your plans crash, or your stability shakes
• Stay Rooted → don’t let pain pull you from your foundation in the gospel
• Keep Praying → because open doors can still happen even in rubble
• Love Deeply → because the church must become a refuge
• Look Ahead → because our hope is not in rebuilding this world but in Christ’s return

Small Group Discussion Questions

1. Looking back over the book of Colossians, what truth about Christ stood out to you the most—and why is that truth essential when life becomes uncertain or difficult? (Use this to reflect on Colossians 1:15–20 and the supremacy of Christ.)  
2. Paul wrote this letter before an earthquake shook Colossae. How does knowing that God sent this Word before the disaster shape your trust in God's timing and provision?
3. In Colossians 2:6–7, Paul tells us to be “rooted and built up in Christ.” What practices or rhythms in your life help you stay rooted—and where are you feeling unstable right now?
4. How do you think the instructions in Colossians 3:12–17 would help a community walk through suffering together? Which of those “clothes” do you need to intentionally “put on” this week?
5. What is one specific way you can live with gospel intentionality in your world this week (Colossians 4:5–6)? Who can you pray for and seek an open door with?

3-Day Devotional Guide: “Before the Shaking”

Day 1 – Christ Above All
Read: Colossians 1:15–20
Reflect: In a city that would soon be physically shaken, Paul lifts their eyes to the One who never changes. Jesus is not just Savior—He is sustainer. “In Him all things hold together.” That includes the universe, but also your life.
Question: Where do you need to remember today that Christ is holding you together?
Prayer: Ask God to deepen your trust in Jesus’ supreme authority over creation, history, and your personal story.

Day 2 – Rooted to Withstand the Storm
Read: Colossians 2:6–7
Reflect: Before the earthquake struck, Paul told them to get rooted in Christ. Why? Because storms don’t create roots—they reveal them. You don’t wait for the storm to dig deep.
Question: What roots are you growing now that will help you stand firm later?
Prayer: Ask God to strengthen your spiritual disciplines and deepen your dependence on His Word and people.

Day 3 – Peace in the Aftermath
Read: Colossians 3:12–17
Reflect: In the aftermath of any disaster—physical, emotional, relational—it is easy to isolate or blame. Paul calls the church to radical compassion, forgiveness, and unity. This is what resilient community looks like.
Question: Who do you need to extend grace or patience to today? Where can you bring Christ’s peace into a messy place?
Prayer: Ask God to help you clothe yourself with His character, especially when life feels chaotic or broken.