Grade 12 - Coptic Orthodox Diocese of the Southern United States

Sunday School Curriculum Grade 12
Week 1 - The Epistle to the Colossians (Part I)
Objective:
Underlining the preeminent glory and honor of Christ, the Lord, and His transcendence
Memory verse:
―For in Him dwells all the fullness of the Godhead bodily; and you are complete in Him, who is
the head of all principality and power‖ (Colossians 2:9).
Introduction:
I. The Church of Colossi
Paul met a fellow prisoner by the name of Epaphras while in prison in Rome, (Philemon 1:23).
This person was renewed (converted), sometime during the three years that St. Paul spent in Ephesus,
and founded a church in Colossi as the verses indicate in Colossians 1:7 and Colossians 4:12.
II. The heretics in Colossi
St. Paul learned from Epaphras that they were numerous in Colossi.
It seems that the heresies arose from the Jews, the Gnostics, the worshippers of angels, and
those claiming that the flesh is inherently evil.
Based on their teachings, it was claimed that God had invented a being, which could move
between His infinite character and that of evil. This third being was considered less holy than
the Highest One, it was Christ, who came devoid of divinity and closer to man‘s nature, in
order to elevate it to higher levels. Undoubtedly, such heresy sought to destroy Christ‘s
divinity and His glorious intercession, and consequently to reduce Him into one of the
numerous other intercessors.
Lesson Outline:
I. Synopsis of the Epistle
A. Introduction
Thankfulness to the Colossians and intercession on their behalf (Colossians 1:1-14).
B. Doctrinal section
The glory of Jesus Christ, His honor and preeminence (Colossians 1:15 - 2:3).
C. Practical section
Warnings against false heresies (Colossians 2:4-23).
Union with Christ and its results (Colossians 3:4-6).
Spiritual exhortations to the fathers, women, children and slaves (Colossians 3:18 - 4:5).
D. Closing
Closing salutations and commendations (Colossians 4:3-18).
180 AUGUST