Weekly Sermon Discussion Questions
Chosen to Choose
Colossians 3:12-14
4/27/2008
- Can you think of a time when you were loved well? Who was it who loved you well, and what did that feel like?
- Reread verse 12. Why does Paul begin by reminding us of who we are in God's sight?
- In what ways would putting on the "new clothes" described in v.12 make your group distinct from your culture? Our church distinct from our culture?
- What does all this "putting off" and "putting on" actually involve: a quick-change? A disguise? A burial? A shopping spree?
- How are Paul's instructions for handling grievances different from the way our culture handles them?
- Mark referenced Luke 7:47, in which Jesus observes that those who have been forgiven much, love much; but those who have been forgiven little, love little. Is that true in your experience? Have you been forgiven much or little? How has your perception of your own need of forgiveness played out in your relationships with others?
- Paul exhorts us to "forgive as the Lord forgave you." Can you? Do you?
Is there someone who owes you a debt that you need to forgive? An injustice from your past that it's time to let go of? What would that entail?
(You might ask your group to help one another with this, and pray for strength to make the God-honoring choice.)
"Honest But Deadly"
Colossians 3:5-11
4/13/08
- Mark said that our faith is to be an HONEST faith, in that it deals with our bad stuff (vv. 5-8) and lives God's new reality (9-11). Does the Christian faith feel honest to you? Why or why not?
- What do the things we are to "put to death" have in common? Do we really have to "put them to death" or can they be managed around? What would putting those things to death entail?
- Why do you think Paul views greed as idolatry?
- How is each behavior listed inconsistent with our new life in Christ?
When you have fallen back into these old motives or actions, what was the effect on you? On others?
- Notice in vv. 9-11 what God has already done and is presently doing in us. How is this different from our determination and "just trying harder"?
- In v. 11 Paul lists the divisions between people in the Colossian culture. Name some cultural divisions in our culture. How would seeing Christ as "all and in all" help us break through these walls?
- Spend time praying for help in the area where you feel weak and/or where our culture is most tempting to you. Spend time thanking God for the changes He has already made and is making in you.
"Eternity Spilling Backwards"
Colossians 3:1-4
4/06/08
- What is the way to spiritual life (1-4)? How does that contrast with those things that don't lead to life (2:16-23)? What pieces has God done for us, and what are we to do?
- What does it mean that "you have been raised with Christ"? What does it mean that "you also will appear with him in glory"? How do these two concepts relate to each other?
- What does "setting your mind on things above" look like? What "earthly things" would Paul want us not to set our minds on?
- Have you ever known Christians who were so heavenly-minded they were no earthly good? How about Christians who were so earthly-minded they were no heavenly good? Which of these would be the greater danger for you?
- Do you think of your life as "now hidden with Christ in God"? What implications might spill from that?
- How will you "begin with the end in mind" with respect to your spiritual life?
"Avoiding “Lesserisms”: Unhelpful, Unspiritual Sidetracks"
Colossians 2:16-23
3/30/08
In this section the apostle Paul warns the Colossian believers about the dangers of getting sidetracked in their lives by the appeal of “lesser,” or dangerous advice concerning spiritual growth.
- Verses 16, 18, and 21 refer to some unhelpful religious practices that these believers were exposed to. What were they? What might their appeal have been?
- What were Paul’s criticisms of these practices?
- What are some current approaches to spirituality that may distract Christians from growing in Christ? What is their appeal?
- How can depending on a list of rules for becoming more spiritual actually distract from growing in Christ? Why is that?
- How can we tell whether some approach to spiritual growth is likely to be helpful, or a “lesserism” (i.e. a distraction to spiritual growth)?
-
What have been helpful practices to spiritual growth for you? How would you know if they became distractions over time?
"The Point of the Parade"
Colossians 2:8-12
3/16/08
- "What God wants for us is always better than what we want from God." Do you agree with that statement? When have you found that to be true?
- Paul warns against being "taken captive" by "hollow and deceptive philosophy" that comes from the world and not from Christ. How did Christ give the Colossians victory over these things?
- Mark suggested three "hollow & deceptive" philosophies that creep into the church:
ACHIEVEMENT says "It's all about my performance."
THERAPEUTIC SPIRITUALITY says "It's all about my happiness."
INDIVIDUALISM says "I have to go it alone."
Which of these are you most likely to be "taken captive" by? What others might you add to the list?
- Is there anything in the list above that keeps you from asking for help?
What kind of help do you need that you have been afraid to ask for? What kind of help do you need that you have been too proud to ask for?
- What experiences does the believer share with Christ (vv. 9-13)? What are the implications--the "So what?"--from this passage? (Feel free to read ahead in chapter 2!)
"To Be Continued"
Colossians 2:6-7
3/9/08
- Make sure everyone knows everyone else’s faith story in your group. Ask 1-2 people to share their story of "receiving Christ Jesus."
- What struck you most about Hank Lesesne’s and Jane Miner’s sharing on Sunday? What future story will you be telling about yourself, years from now? What qualities will people most notice about you then?
- What does "living in Christ" entail? (See 1:10-12, as well as v.7).
- What does the phrase "rooted and built up" imply to you?
- What "strengthens you in the faith"? Disciplines you practice? People you spend time with? Church attendance? Ministry participation? How do can you tell when your faith is stronger?
- How thankful of a person are you, generally? Name some things you can thank God for this week, then spend time in prayer thanking God for what He’s done or doing in each other’s lives.
Sermon Discussion Questions
Colossians 1:28-29
3/2/08
- How can you tell that Paul had a passion for serving the Colossians, even though he did not know them personally? What does that reveal about Paul?
- How does Gustavo Dudamel, the Venezuelan conductor featured in Sunday’s video, show his passion for making music? How does his passion for music make a difference in others’ lives? (Remember the orchestral program for disadvantaged youth.)
- Think of other examples of people who use their passions to impact the lives of others. How are people affected? How have you been affected?
- What passions are you known for or feel enthusiastic about? When are you best able to “make good music” by expressing your passion?
- Which people would you like to be able to present “whole” (perfect) in Christ? How might we be able to contribute by “making our best music” on their behalf?
- "When are our passions a distraction and a threat to our spiritual lives? How can we protect ourselves from this danger?
Life Group Questions
"Refresh This Page"
Colossians 1:24--2:5
2/17/08
1) Name a favorite movie that illustrates "the hero's journey" -- an ordinary person with an extraordinary passion accomplishes amazing feats or overcomes long odds.
Here are a few, if you're in a clip-viewing mood:
The Wizard of Oz
The Ten Commandments
Ben Hur
Rocky
Star Wars
Schindler's List
The Lion King
The Mask of Zorro
Gladiator
The Lord of the Rings trilogy
Finding Nemo
Hotel Rwanda
Batman Begins
Cinderella Man
Amazing Grace
3:10 to Yuma
2) Have you ever been so passionate about something that you "rejoiced in suffering" for it? What was it? What did that communicate to others about you? What did you prove to yourself?
3) What is Paul's stated purpose (1:28; 2:2)? Is this a reality in your life? Are you somewhere along the way? How far?
4) The extent of Paul's passion is extreme; the object of Paul's passion is the church. Many people have "bad church" stories--can you think of a "good church" one? When have you seen Christ show up amid his Body?
5) Paul equates "the church" with "the Body of Christ." Is there a difference in your mind between "doing church" vs. "doing the Body of Christ"? Can you describe it?
6) What are you doing in your life that requires God's energy to accomplish? Spend time asking God to direct & empower your efforts together as His people.
Life Group Questions
"A Big-Enough Passion"
Colossians 1:24
February 10, 2008
- Think of someone you know well (e.g. a parent, spouse, or child). From your perspective, what is/was that person most passionate about?
- What are you passionate about? Write down all you can think of, and the more specific the better. (E.g. "UNC women's soccer" is better than "sports" and "the Royal Red Robin cheeseburger" is better than "food.")
- Share your list with your group, or with another person in your group. Do they see it in you? Which ones do they affirm immediately? Which ones surprised them?
- What would you say Jesus was most passionate about? Why?
- From Colossians 1:24, what would you say Paul was passionate about?
- In what sense are Paul's sufferings a continuation of Jesus' sufferings?
- Why does Paul rejoice in his suffering? Is that crazy? (See 2 Corinthians 12:9-10)
- Returning to your own passion list, which do you think are God-given? Which do you think are God-pleasing? How can you live into them more fully?
- Invite each group member to affirm one passion they see in another person, and pray for God to use that passion for His glory in that person's life.
Life Group Questions
"ONCE ... BUT NOW"
Colossians 1:21-23
February 3, 2008
- Invite 2-3 people to share their faith story: how did you first get connected to Christ? Note the similarities & differences in people's stories.
- Reread Colossians 1:21-23 and ask the group to identify:
The Problem (v21)
The Solution (v22a)
The Means (v22b)
The Result (v22c)
The Scope (v23c)
- In your own words, what was Paul's point in writing this passage? (See v23)
Mark observed that "God is the subject of the solution" (v22a). That is, it is God who achieves reconciliation through Christ. Does this affect your perception of your life in Christ? Your perception of those who seem far from Christ?
- Invite people to fill in the blanks with spiritual realities from their own experience: "Once I ____, but now I _____."
- Often the biggest challenge for coaches is keeping their players focused on the task at hand. If the Apostle Paul were your life coach, what focus would he want you to have? What does maintaining spiritual focus look like for you? What does it mean for you to "remain firm in your faith".
Life Group Questions
Is Jesus the Only Way to God?
January 27, 2008
1) As a kid, what fictional or real-life "superhuman" character did you look up to? Why?
2) Reread Colossians 1:15-20. How many times do you come across the words "all," "all things," or "everything"? What is Jesus' relationship to "all things"? Why does Paul emphasize this?
3) In what way does this passage alter your view of who Jesus is? Anything surprising here?
4) "Jesus didn't come to make bad people good; he came to make dead people alive." Is that a meaningful distinction to you? How does that change your understanding of who you are in Christ?
5) "Isn't it narrow-minded of God to restrict redemption to one Savior and one faith?" How would you respond to this question? Is Jesus the only way to God?
6) Since we're on the subject, why is there any way to God at all?
7) Rob Bell suggests that since Christians believe Christ is God, the question should be rephrased "Is Jesus the only way to Jesus?" Do you think that's a valid rephrasing? How does that change the question for you?
8) Spend some time praying together for those you know who haven't yet trusted Christ.
Life Group Questions
January 20, 2008
If you were not a Christian—if you had never chosen to follow Christ at all—how do you think your life might be different today? How would you as a person be different?
Has your experience as a Christian always been comfortable? Can you think of a time when following Christ made you uncomfortable, or cost you in some way?
Have you ever had great fear over something Jesus did or said? Have you ever seriously questioned “is this all really true?”
If or when you’ve had those moments of questioning, what brought about the question for you? Being around non-Christians? A traumatic life event? An unmet desire?
Do you tend to be silent about your faith around unbelievers? Why or why not? What is the difference between representing a person (Jesus) vs. holding a point of view?
Spend some time together in expectant prayer, allowing the truth of Jesus to awaken and feed the hunger to know Him better.
Life Group Questions
January 13, 2008
Colossians 1:15-20
Topic: A Big-Enough Christ
Overview: The passage is a presentation of the supremacy of Christ, that Christ is first over all things, beginning with creation, the church, and redemption. This week focuses on the summary about being over “all things.” We will spend the next several weeks looking at this passage.
- Do you have a ‘favorite Jesus’? Perhaps it’s not the ‘sweet baby Jesus’ of the clip but some other view that you tend to embrace. Attempt to identify those views of Jesus that fall short of who he really is.
- Are there things that we learn about Christ in this passage that have not been familiar to you? If so, what?
- What questions about Christ might this passage generate?
- What should our responses be to such a description of Christ? The sermon suggested at least four: humility, love, trust and confidence. How would we relate to each of those? What others might we add?
- Personally, where do we need Christ to be ‘big-enough’ in our own lives? Where might we be settling for a Christ that does not match this incredible description.
Life Group Discussion Questions
December 9, 2007
Topic: The Other Side
Rejecting ‘darkness’, embracing ‘light.’
Colossians 1:13-14
Spend your time going over the “Reject/Embrace” list, pausing to discuss any that really register with people.
Feel free to add to the list.
Pray specifically for one another about particular ‘rejections.’
Reject and Embrace
We reject ________, and we embrace ________.
| Reject |
Embrace |
|
|
| Lies |
Truth |
| Ignorance |
Wisdom |
| Self-Reliance |
Dependence on God |
| Pride |
Humility |
| Pretense |
Brokenness |
| Shame |
Forgiveness |
| Hiding |
Transparency |
| Sexual Immorality |
Holiness |
| Addictions |
Recovery |
| Self-Protection |
Trust |
| Isolation |
Relationships |
| False Piety |
Attitude |
| Monument Building |
Altar Building |
| False Worship |
Justice |
| Achievement |
Mission |
| Comfort |
Suffering |
| Passivity |
Action |
| Status Quo |
Change |
| Gloom |
Joy |
Life Group Questions
December 2, 2007
Colossians 1:13-14
Topic : The Other Side
The two verses that complete the intercession part of the prayer beginning in verse 9 say God has rescued us. We are on ‘the other side’ of the rescue, the other side of darkness, the other side of dominion, the other side of redemption. Begin to explore what it could possibly mean to live on The Other Side. Even though the sermon was brief and just an intro, perhaps some thoughts have been jarred loose about the radical nature of The Other Side.
- What sorts of things should be true if we are living on The Other Side
- of darkness: living in the light instead.
- of dominion: living in the kingdom of God.
- of redemption: being restored
- of forgiveness: living without guilt or shame?
- Where do we tend to accept darkness, dominion, brokenness, and guilt?
- Where does our society and culture accept these things?
- How can our relationships with each other help us to live on The Other Side?
- We still live in a dark world, dominated by evil and self-interest. What are some of the conflicts we experience because we are still “in the world”?
- How might God lead you to ‘throw down’ on darkness and dominion?
Spend time in prayer – asking God to guide, asking God to ‘radicalize’ our lives. Listen to what God might be saying to you, to your group about living on The Other Side.
Life Group Questions
November 25, 2007
"Here's Your Sign"
Isaiah 7:1-14
1) Reread Isaiah 7:1-14. What is your impression of Ahaz? Now have someone read 2 Kings 16:2-3. Does this change or confirm your opinion?
2) Ahaz masked his lack of trust in God with false piety (Isaiah 7:10-13).
What examples have you seen of people covering up their sin with a mask of virtue? Have you ever attempted this?
3) In view of Ahaz's disobedience, what does it say that God still wanted to give him a sign of His mercy?
4) What tight spot are you currently stuck in? What forces are involved?
What are you most afraid of?
5) What makes it difficult for you to trust God in tight spots? What would trusting God look like for you?
6) When has following your solution to a problem (instead of God's) made things worse?
7) The greatest fulfillment of Isaiah 7:14 is found in Matthew 1:23. When have you experienced Jesus as "Immanuel" (God with us)? When have you experienced him as Immanuel in a tight spot?
8) Spend time praying for others in your group who are in a tight spot--for them to know God is with them, and to experience His deliverance.
Life Group Questions
November 18, 2007
Colossians 1:9-13
Focus: The Picture of Passion
What does a life that is lived to please Christ look l like?
Assumption: It is assumed that several, if not most members have heard the sermon, so there is not much time given in this study for explanation. The study is geared more towards application. If you, as a leader have heard the sermon, it may be the case that great questions occurred to you to use, so don’t hesitate to lead.
Intro: Paul’s ‘prayer report’ states that the goal of his prayer is that the Colossians might live a life worthy of the Lord, pleasing him in every way. He then describes that kind of life with four phrases. You can spend as little or as much time on each phrase as you want.
- Bearing fruit in every good work: what are ways that our lives can be more directed toward good works?
What sorts of good works can result from your group being a group?
- Growing in the knowledge of God: allow individuals to share what experiences help them to grow in their experience and knowledge of God?
What do people do to deliberately to grow?
- Being Strengthened with all power: when have members most experienced this reality – that they were being strengthened with God’s power?
Where do members need the power of God in their lives right now?
- Joyfully giving thanks: how can we all grow in gratitude?
Are there practical things that people are doing to grow in gratitude?
Prayer: Out of all of this discussion, what would members most like to pray about for themselves and for one another. Spend time praying accordingly.
Life Group Study Questions
November 11, 2007
Psalm 90
1) What’s something you like to do when you find yourself with some unexpected spare time?
2) When in your life do you feel like time moves too fast? When does time seem to move too slow? Which do you think is worse?
3) Count the references to time in Psalm 90:1-12. How does the psalmist view God? How does the psalmist view people? What would you say is his primary concern in these verses?
4) The psalm begins with an affirmation of the Lord as the “dwelling place” for his people. What would this picture have meant to Moses? How is it meaningful to you?
5) Name everything the psalmist asks God for in vv. 12-17. How does he view God in these verses? What would you say is his primary concern?
6) Paul tells us in Ephesians 5:16 to make the most of every opportunity, “for the days are evil.” Do you live your life with a sense of urgency? Why or why not?
7) Try listing all your "time wasters" in a typical week, and then rank them on the basis of their degree of time misused. Ask yourself: "What would happen if I didn't do this? Would it make a significant difference? Can I delegate this?"
8) Paul contrasts being foolish with “understanding what the Lord’s will is.” How do you generally go about this? What would you find helpful in discerning God’s will?
9) The psalmist asks the Lord to “establish the work of our hands.” What work in your life would you like God to make “stick” eternally?
10) The movie “First Knight” contains a prayer that is surprisingly consistent with Ephesians 5:17 and Psalm 90:17:
“May God grant us wisdom to discover the right; the will to choose it; and the strength to make it endure.”
Pray this for one another as you conclude your time together.
Life Group Study Questions
November 4, 2007
Colossians 1:9,10
Focus: “I want to sing Christ.”
- If you have a way to watch the youtube piece about Paul Potts, then let the group see it again, and discuss their reactions. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1k08yxu57NA
- Read Colossians 1:9,10.
- Why do you think that Paul really thought it was a possibility that the Colossians could have lives that were worthy of Christ? What is the basis of those lives?
- What are factors that often make those sorts of lives seem like they are out of reach for us?
- If living a life worthy of Christ means ‘being in tune with Christ’, then begin to identify areas of our lives that seem to get most easily out of tune.
- If the group has the openness for very personal sharing, ask if there are particular areas where members are out of tune. Those areas become the focus of prayer and encouragement for one another. Make sure to pray together about those things.
- If you have time, share with one another where you might see areas in each other’s lives that really do ‘sing Christ.´ Encourage one another with these observations. Make sure that your closing prayers include praise for these areas.
Life Group Study Questions
October 28, 2007
Colossians 1:6-8
Topic: “Belief that Leads to Life
Sabbath
- In what ways do you find rest?
- By healing the man who was an invalid for 38 years on the Sabbath, Jesus was proclaiming to the Jews that the time for disbelief was over. It was time to believe and start living. Jesus was in effect saying that they were living like invalids by failing to believe (like the 10 spies in the Exodus story who did not believe God would bring them safely into the promised land) that God was at work in Jesus to bring them their rest. In what ways is it difficult for you to find our rest in Jesus?
God’s Work
- What thoughts, attitudes, or practices come to mind when you hear the “work of God?”
- By healing the man who was an invalid for 38 years on the Sabbath, Jesus was also teaching the Jews that doing God’s work on the Sabbath was the very form of rest they needed. Entering into God’s rest was an act of worship that God was looking for (see Is. 58). In what ways can your community worship God through getting in on God’s work (doing justice and mercy) in Durham/Chapel Hill and find their rest doing it?
Life
- Jesus healed the invalid on the Sabbath in order to show the Jews that the work of God was to give people life. In what ways has God been at work in you to give you life?
- Jesus asked the invalid, “Do you want to get well?” The invalid’s answer was filled with excuses. In what ways are you still living like an invalid in your faith (giving excuses for not believing in Jesus) as he calls you to find your life in Him?
Life Group Study Questions
October 21, 2007
Colossians 1:6-8
Topic: “Who is in your Hall of Fame?”
Purpose: To encourage one another to be intentional about moving
towards people who help us serve God well and moving towards people
whom we can help.
- Read the passage and then try to build a profile of Epaphras. Just
a few things are said about him, but those things are huge in
describing his relationship with Paul, with Christ and with the
Colossians. Ask the group to try to describe Epaphras and
his experience.
- Hall of Fame: Our Halls of Fame consist of people
who have helped us to know God, helped us to learn the Gospel,
and helped us to serve God well. Epaphras was certainly
in the Hall of Fame for the Colossians. Ask the group to
tell about some of the folks who are in their Hall of Fame.
- The Second Wing: The Second Wing of our Hall of Fame
inbclues people whom we are helping, helping them to know God
and helping them to serve God and others well. For
instance, the Colossians would be in Epaphras’ Hall of
Fame, not as trophies, but as people he eagerly loves and serves. Read
Colossians 4:12 for a description of his commitment to the Colossians.
Do a reality check. Is it reasonable that there should be a
wing like this in our Hall of Fame? Why or why not?
- The sermon suggested that we develop this wing by
- Doing something that matters.
- Inviting others to do it with us.
- Then: empower, equip, extend, encourage.
Describe what may be obstacles that keep us from developing this
wing.
Describe opportunities where we can do these things.
- In what ways might members want to apply this lesson to ministry
opportunities? To relationships?
What gets in the way?
- Share examples of positive development in Second Wing building.
- Spend time praying for one another, for opportunities.
Life Group Study Questions
October 14, 2007
Colossians 1:3-9
We are taking our time with this passage. This week we want
to learn what it tells us about the Gospel and we will focus again
on the growth of the Gospel.
- Make a list of everything we can possibly learn about the
Gospel in this passage. Go over the list and be ready
to explore further any of the particular things included. For
instance, how is the Gospel ‘immediate’?
- How is their experience of the
Gospel described?
- What does it mean to understand
the ‘grace of God in all its truth’?
- Invite people
to share their personal experiences in this understanding.
- Red Shift: Ask people
to what degree are they “Red Shift Christians”,
that is part of the expansion of the Gospel?
- Invite people to
share how they think that their vision for their life, their
expectations., their resources of time, ability and finances
could change to participate in the growth of the Gospel.
- Close
by praying that God will guide and empower these types of changes.
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