Ninth, Tenth, eleventh, and twelfth grades
LET'S GROW TOGETHER THROUGH OUR SUMMER STUDY OF Colossians!
ObjECTIVE:
This assignment encourages students to engage with the book of Colossians through in-depth reading, structured reflection, and analytical writing using The Writing Revolution’s “Who, What, When, Where, Why, How” questioning framework. Students will strengthen comprehension, critical thinking, and biblical application.
-Read together as a family and share with each other what the Lord spoke to each of you through His word!
Instructions:
-
Read the entire book of Colossians carefully (chapters 1–4). Read it more than once —this letter is brief but rich in theology and practical instruction.
-
Answer the following questions in COMPLETE SENTENCES. Use evidence from the text to support your answers. These responses should reflect thoughtful engagement, not one-word or surface-level answers.
Comprehension and analysis w-w-w-w-w-H Questions: Who wrote the book of Colossians, and to whom was it written?
-
What problems or concerns was Paul addressing in this letter?
-
When and where was this letter written? Why is this important?
-
Why does Paul emphasize the supremacy of Christ so strongly in chapter 1?
-
How does Paul describe the Christian life in chapters 3 and 4? What should distinguish believers from the world?
-
-
Write a multi-paragraph response (minimum 300 words) addressing the following prompt:
"What does the book of Colossians teach about the identity and responsibilities of a believer in Christ?" Please follow the following paragraph outline to complete your paper.
*NOTE: ANY USE OF OUTSIDE SOURCES OTHER THAN THE BIBLE THAT ARE NOT CITED WILL BE CONSIDERED PLAGIARISM. (Chat GPT or any other AI platform is not permitted). This assignment is for students to do independently so teachers can have a good understanding of each individual students' understanding.
--- Use the following outline to structure your writing response. ---
Introduction Paragraph
-
Hook (optional): Start with an interesting statement or question about identity, purpose, or the Christian life.
-
Background: Briefly explain who wrote Colossians, who it was written to, and why.
-
Thesis Statement: Clearly state your main point.
Example: The book of Colossians teaches that believers find their identity in Christ and are called to live holy lives that reflect Him.
Body Paragraph #1: Identity in Christ
-
Topic Sentence: What does Colossians say about who Jesus is and how that shapes our identity?
-
Evidence: Quote or summarize Colossians 1:15–23 (Christ’s supremacy and reconciliation).
-
Explanation: Explain what this means about who we are as believers (e.g., forgiven, chosen, secure).
-
Connection: How does this truth affect your confidence or purpose as a Christian?
Body Paragraph #2: Putting Off the Old, Putting On the New
-
Topic Sentence: How does Paul describe the transformation that should happen in a believer’s life?
-
Evidence: Use examples from Colossians 3:1–10 (put off sin) and 3:12–17 (put on godly character).
-
Explanation: Explain the meaning of “putting off” and “putting on.”
-
Application: Choose one character trait (e.g., kindness, patience) and explain how you could grow in that area.
Body Paragraph #3: Daily Christian Responsibility
-
Topic Sentence: What daily responsibilities or behaviors should set Christians apart?
-
Evidence: Reference Colossians 4:2–6 or Paul’s instructions to families and workers in 3:18–25.
-
Explanation: Explain how Christian living should look in family, school, or work settings.
-
Personal Reflection: How can you apply Paul’s instructions to your own relationships?
Conclusion Paragraph
-
Restate Thesis: Remind the reader of your main idea about identity and responsibility in Christ.
-
Summarize Key Points: Quickly mention each body paragraph’s focus.
-
Final Thought: End with a personal reflection, a Scripture verse, or a statement about how you want to live out Colossians this school year.
Reminder - ALL SUMMER READING ASSIGNMENTS ARE DUE THE THURSDAY AFTER LABOR DAY.
Print 