Read in context
Read Colossians 3:1–17. Paul has described a life oriented toward Christ and practices to put away. The commands beginning in verse 12 follow the description of God’s people as chosen, holy, and beloved.
Bible Study Tutor
Printable Bible study worksheet for small groups
Bible Study Tutor can help small group leaders prepare simple Scripture worksheets that work well around a table, in a class, or in a church group. A good worksheet gives people room to observe the passage before the discussion starts.
Give everyone space to observe: Colossians 3:12-17
Read the passage before comparing your answers with the worked notes. Each example separates what the text says, how its meaning follows from context, and one possible response. Use a Bible and paper or your preferred study tool.
Colossians 3:12-17 · KJV · King James Version
12 Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering; 13 Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye. 14 And above all these things put on charity, which is the bond of perfectness. 15 And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful. 16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord. 17 And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him.
Scripture text source · Public domain
1. Observation · what does it say?
Question: What grounds the commands, and which shared practices are named?
Example answer: Verse 12 begins with the readers’ identity before listing mercy, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience. Verse 13 names bearing with and forgiving one another; Christ’s forgiveness supplies the pattern. Love, peace, thankfulness, teaching, singing, and doing all in Jesus’ name follow in verses 14–17. The repeated references to one another show a community in view.
2. Meaning · how does the context explain it?
Question: Are these qualities a way to earn being loved by God?
Example answer: The order runs from being beloved to putting on these qualities. Christ’s forgiveness is a reason for forgiving, not a reward earned afterwards. The clothing image describes a way of life that fits the community’s identity. Teaching and singing are also part of that shared formation, not disconnected religious activities.
3. Application · one possible response
One possible response: “At our next group meeting I will make room for someone I usually interrupt, and afterwards ask whether I listened with patience. Where I have spoken unkindly, I will apologise without excuses.” This gives kindness and patience a specific setting. It does not exhaust everything the passage teaches.
Give everyone space to observe
Try it yourself: Which words ground the commands before the group starts discussing behaviour?
Invite everyone to write one observation silently, then share the verse behind it. Ask a second person to explain the connection between identity and conduct. Leave room on the sheet for disagreement or uncertainty, and make personal applications voluntary rather than requiring public disclosure.
A reading to avoid
Do not use forgiveness to demand immediate restored trust or continued exposure to harm. The instruction to live in love does not erase the need for truth, accountability, and wise boundaries.
Pray and revisit
Lord, shape our shared life with the kindness, patience, and love that fit people You have loved.
After trying your response, return to the passage: what did you learn, what did you do, and what still needs thought? You can revise your notes as your understanding grows.
Choose the passage
Select the verses your group will study and print the Scripture with enough room for people to write their own observations. A short passage usually creates better discussion than a large section rushed through quickly.
Use a shared method
SOAP, OIA, Inductive Study, and Lectio Divina can give the group a common rhythm without making the handout complicated.
Encourage discussion
Printed worksheets help people arrive prepared, record prayer points, and keep a useful record after the meeting.
Leave space for prayer
A group worksheet should end with prayer, response, or encouragement so the discussion moves from information to faithful living.
Your printable study worksheet
Try your own answers for Colossians 3:12-17 (KJV) before comparing them with the worked study. You can reuse this blank sheet with another passage. The print button prints the worksheet.
Bible Study Tutor · Practise the method
Your printable study worksheet
Try your own answers for Colossians 3:12-17 (KJV) before comparing them with the worked study. You can reuse this blank sheet with another passage. The print button prints the worksheet.
Read in context
Who is speaking, to whom, and in what situation? Read the surrounding paragraph.
Observe
Record three details with verse references. Notice commands, contrasts, repetitions, and connections.
Understand
Explain the main point and the evidence supporting it. Distinguish what is clear from what you still need to study.
Respond
What is one faithful response in your circumstances? Explain how it follows from the text.
Pray and revisit
Write a prayer, a realistic next step, and a time to return to your notes.
Small group worksheet flow
A clear worksheet can support the whole meeting without taking it over.
- Read the passage aloud together.
- Give people quiet time to write observations.
- Discuss what the passage means in context.
- Invite specific applications rather than vague answers.
- Close with prayer shaped by the passage.
Leader preparation checklist
Before printing the worksheet, check that it will serve the discussion well.
- Is the passage short enough to study carefully?
- Are the questions tied to the text?
- Is there space for quiet written reflection?
- Is there a prayer or application section?
- Can people keep the worksheet as a useful record?
Print a small group worksheet
Open the Bible reader, select your group passage, and print a worksheet using SOAP, OIA, Inductive Study, or another guided method.
Common questions
What should a small group Bible study worksheet include?
It should include the Scripture passage, observation prompts, discussion questions, application space, and prayer response.
How long should the passage be?
A paragraph or short section usually works best for a group discussion.
Can the worksheet be used before the meeting?
Yes. Leaders can send or print the worksheet ahead of time so people arrive ready to discuss.
Which method works best for small groups?
SOAP works well for simple reflection, while OIA and Inductive Study are helpful when a group wants deeper observation and interpretation.
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