Colossians + Philemon
The 21st century offers countless methods promising a deeper spiritual life, but this search for more is not new. In the first century, the apostle Paul wrote to the Colossians to warn them against alternative teachings that threatened their faith. He stressed that a distorted view of Jesus leads to spiritual ruin. Yet Paul presents a glorious truth: Jesus is so supreme and his work so complete that no other path to God is needed. The book of Colossians invites us to rediscover the sufficiency of Christ and to live out the fullness we already have in him.
For copyright reasons the Growth Group studies are password protected. Please speak to your leader for access.
Recommended Resources
Commentaries
Dick Lucas, The Message of Colossians & Philemon (Bible Speaks Today series), IVP, revised edition, 2020
Mark Meynell, Colossians & Philemon for You (God’s Word for You series), The Good Book Company, 2018
Alan J Thompson, Colossians & Philemon: An Introduction & Commentary (Tyndale New Testament Commentaries), IVP, 2022
Alistair I Wilson, Colossians: A Commentary, The Gospel Coalition | USA, 2023 (Free download here)
Alistair I Wilson, Philemon: A Commentary, The Gospel Coalition | USA, 2023 (Free download here)
John Woodhouse, Colossians & Philemon: So Walk in Him (Focus on the Bible series), Christian Focus Publications, 2011
Online resources
BibleProject, Colossians Summary: A Complete Animated Overview, 2016
William Boekestein, ‘4 Goals to Pursue in Parenting’, Christian Living, Ligonier Ministries ©2025
Hannah Carmichael, ‘How to Not Exasperate Your Children’, Christian Living, The Gospel Coalition | USA, 2 June 2024
Dhanu Eliezer, ‘Lord, Please Help Me Say the Right Thing’, Evangelism & Apologetics, The Gospel Coalition | Australia, 6 May 2024
Paul Grimmond, ‘How godliness differs for men and women and how to teach it!’, @ThePastor’sHeart, 4 February 2025
Jay Kim, ‘Christian Vocation Disrupts the Culture’, Christian Living, The Gospel Coalition | USA, 10 August 2024
Philip Percival, ‘Singing the Truth Within’, Ministry, Leadership & Training, The Gospel Coalition | Australia, 18 January 2024
Tim Thorburn, ‘The Three Aspects of Presenting People to God’, Ministry, Leadership & Training, The Gospel Coalition | Australia, 21 June 2024
Recommended Books
Josh Moody, Everyday Holiness: Becoming Who You Were Made to Be, Christian Focus Publications, 2022
David Murray, Philippians & Colossians: Stories of Joy & Identity (The Storychanger Devotional series), Crossway, 2023
Rory Shiner, One Forever: The Transforming Power of Being In Christ (Guidebooks For Life series), Matthias Media, revised edition, 2015
Claire Smith, God’s Good Design: What the Bible Really Says About Men and Women, Matthias Media, 2nd edition, 2019
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Resources to help your group be Mission-Minded
Growth Groups are a great place to encourage each other in mission-mindedness. Instead of feeling stuck or laying on the guilt, you can use the resources below to generate conversation and increase joy & confidence.