The DNA of God's Family

Colossians 3:12-4:6

Sermon Notes:

1. The Essence of God's Family

2. The Work of God's Family

3. The Purpose of God's Family

Reflection Questions:

1. Who we are in Jesus has changed us to our core. Our nature is fundamentally different than what it used to be, and different from those around us in the secular world. Why do we need to hold on to that identity and live out of that identity? What should our new identity change in the practice of how we live?

2. There are many things Paul could have said to the various family (and secular) rolls to exhort them in godliness. Why do you think that Paul summarized the calling of these rolls in the ways that he did? In your own roles in God's family, how does your new identity in Christ empower your calling?

3. Why do you think Paul concludes his exhortation to the family of God by urging them to be continually in prayer, and always exercising wisdom? How does the ongoing brokenness in our relationships necessitate our need for prayer and wisdom?

Clothed in Love

Colossians 3:1-17

Sermon Notes:

1. The God Context | vv 1-4

2. Garments of Death | vv 5-9

3. Wearing Love | vv 10-17

Reflection Questions:

1. What things do you think about most often? Are your thoughts shaped by what Jesus has accomplished and the hope of eternal life, or are they reflections of earthly pursuits? How might The God Context reframe those things that occupy your attention?

2. What ways does our world subtly excuse or even promote the sins and heart attitudes in verses 5-9? How can naming the root sins help you see and protect yourself from treating them as "respectable sins?"

3. Review the qualities in verses 12-13. If you remove love, what happens to these characteristics of the new self? How can we guard ourselves against this temptation?

You Can't Get to Heaven on Roller Skates

Colossians 2:6-23

Sermon Notes:

1. Dwelling in the Gospel | vv. 6-15

a. The Emptiness of Creaturely Artifices

b. The Fullness of Christ's Work

2. Deliverance from Mere Shadows | vv. 16-23

Reflection Questions:

1. Paul says that we have been rooted, built up, and established in the faith in Jesus (v. 7) These verbs describe what God has done for us, and how he works in us. The last verb in that verse is our response: abounding in thanksgiving. How can habitual thanksgiving help to dwell in the gospel, and live in accordance with the gospel, instead of drifting towards empty philosophies and burdensome traditions?

2. As Paul begins to tell the Colossians how they ought to live, he again reminds them of what Jesus has done for them (vv. 9-15). Look back at Colossians 1:1- 2:5. How many times has Paul reminded the Colossians of what Jesus has done? How many ways has he shown them the gospel? Why do you think Paul emphasized what Jesus has done in this way before telling the Colossians how they ought to live?

3. The burdens and shame that come from self-made religion and asceticism (v 23.) seem at first to be helpful tenants of religion, but they cannot change the heart. What is a struggle in your life that you have tried to conquer with rules and practices? How might resting in your union with Jesus in his death and resurrection lead to real heart change?

The Glory in the Grief

Colossians 1:24-2:5

Sermon Notes:

1) Grief is Not Wasted

2) The Hope of Glory

3) The Realities of Suffering

Reflection Questions:

1. If our suffering is not wasted, then surely we should be able to see how God has redeemed suffering in the past. But in order to see that we might have to lift our gaze to beyond how we normally perceive our pain.

• What are some examples from scripture of God using other's suffering to bring hope to those around them?

• What are some examples of others in your life who have shown God's goodness through their suffering?

• If you can recognize those things, how might God be working in circumstances in your life now to reveal his redemption to you and to those around you? How can you then be intentional like Paul to proclaim Christ through your suffering?

2. Those that Paul says have "plausible arguments" will try to persuade you that your suffering is meaningless. But in order to do that, they have to ignore what God produces in us through suffering. Does the result of our suffering justify the process? If God uses your temporary suffering, however painful and dreadful it may be, to bear witness to an eternal hope, is it not worth the cost? Consider and meditate upon Matt 13:44-46 and Phil 3:7-11.

The Preeminence of Christ

Colossians 1:15-23

Sermon Notes:

1) Jesus is the beginning

2) You are reconciled in Christ

3) Continue in the Faith

Reflection Questions:

1. Jesus is the perfect incarnation of our God. He is fully man, and fully God without any blurring or confusion of natures. How does all of the revelation of God's nature in the Old Testament give us hope to be able to trust in what Christ has done for us?

2. Hebrews 1:3 says that Jesus sustains all things by his powerful word. Here in Colossians 1:17 we see that Jesus holds all things together. How should our faith be strengthened by this knowledge? How might we trust in God's plan, knowing that the one who died on the cross for us also is actively working in every aspect of our lives?

3. What are some tangible benefits of our reconciliation with God? How do you see those benefits working out in your life?

Increasing Faith, Increasing Fruit, Increasing Gospel

Colossians 1:1-14

Sermon Notes:

1. Increasing Faith | vv. 3-8

2. Increasing Fruit | vv. 9-12

3. Increasing Gospel | vv. 5-6, 13-14

Reflection Questions:

1. When was the last time you were overwhelmed with the joy and glory of salvation? If it's been a while, why has it become insignificant or mundane? Why is Paul compelled to pour out thanksgiving every time he prays for the Colossians?

2. What are some specific ways that your spiritual fruit shows your devotion to God? What ways have you seen your spiritual fruit grow since becoming a Christian?

3. God has delivered us from slavery to sin and death. Like God reminded Israel over and over again, he reminds us where we've come from and who we are now. What is your identity in Christ and how can you live out of the gospel more today than you did yesterday?