Colossians: Bible Reading Plan

This week’s Bible reading plan is to read the book of Colossians. In about five to ten minutes per day, you can read through the entire New Testament in one year. If you didn’t start on January 1st, start today and set a goal to make it through the book of Colossians this week. Stay consistent and make focused Bible reading a daily habit. 

Read the selected veres each day. 

Spend some time in prayer reflecting on how God spoke to you through the reading. 

Read the study guide for the day to dig a little deeper into a few selected verses. 

Respond to the questions and prayer guides as you apply the biblical teachings to your life. 

By the end of this week we will have read through Matthew, John, Acts, Romans, Galatians, Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, 1 Timothy, 1 Thessalonians, James, 1 John, 2 John, 3 John.

Sunday, July 24th – Colossians 1:1 to 1:14

Paul opens by stating he is praying for the Colossians. Note what he prays for them: knowledge of God’s will, spiritual wisdom and understanding, living a fruitful life, growth as they learn to know God better, strength, endurance, patience, joy, and a grateful heart. When you pray for others, how do you pray? Think of a person you can pray for in the next few days. Use Paul’s model to pray for them.

Monday, July 25th – Colossians 1:15 to 1:29

Reread verse 22: “Yet now he has reconciled you to himself through the death of Christ in his physical body. As a result, he has brought you into his own presence, and you are holy and blameless as you stand before him without a single fault.” Many of us don’t see ourselves as holy or blameless. And by ourselves, we are not. But God has reconciled us to himself, making us holy and blameless. Write down some of your past shortcomings and sins on a sheet of paper. Throw away the sheet of paper. Look at a new, blank sheet of paper. Take God up on a fresh start.

Tuesday, July 26th – Colossians 2:1 to 2:10

Reread verses 6 and 7: “Just as you accepted Christ Jesus as your Lord, you must continue to follow him. Let your roots grow down into him, and let your lives be built on him.” Accepting Christ is the first step. Following Christ is the next step and is simultaneously challenging and rewarding. Make a commitment to growing your roots down deep. Commit to daily Bible readings, consistent prayer, regular worship, growing with others in a small group, and serving others.

Wednesday, July 27th – Colossians 2:11 to 2:23

Reread verse 13: “You were dead because of your sins and because your sinful nature was not yet cut away. Then God made you alive with Christ, for he forgave all our sins.” Paul continues his discourse about forgiveness. He talks about moving from death to life and from sin to grace. Consider Paul’s words: God made you alive. Think about some areas in your life where you would like to move from death to life or from sin to grace. Pray for God to help you take the first step in this journey and for the perseverance to keep taking the next step.

Thursday, July 28th – Colossians 3:1 to 3:11

Paul writes of a better way. He urges the Colossians to say “no” to sin and “yes” to God. Paul specifically writes about sexual immorality, lust, evil desires, greed, worshiping the things of this world, anger, malicious behavior, slander, dirty language, and lying. Look at this list of self-destructive behaviors. None of these add value to your life or the lives of others. Pray for the ability to break free from the power of these sins and to be set-free for a new life.

Friday, July 29th – Colossians 3:12 to 3:25

Reread verse 23: “Work willingly at whatever you do, as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people.” Paul challenges us to see others as a child of God and act toward others as a child a God. Pray this prayer throughout the next few days: “Lord, help me see others through your eyes. Help me too treat others like I would treat you.”

Saturday, July 30th – Colossians 4:1 to 4:6

Reread verse 6: “Let your conversation be gracious and attractive.” The words we speak are powerful. We have all been hurt deeply by words. And we have all been encouraged by words. Challenge yourself today to you encouraging and loving words.

Sunday, July 31st – Colossians 4:7 to 4:18

Reread verse 17: “Be sure to carry out the ministry the Lord gave you.” This was part of Paul’s final instructions to the Colossians. It is a reminder to us as well. God gives us all a ministry. Pray for the strength, wisdom, passion, and teammates to carry out the ministry God gave you!