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1) Thinking about the context of what precedes in 2:18-23, how does this passage show us that our salvation is not dependent on particular religious observances? How does it speak against the idea that we need specific spiritual experiences to prove we are saved? (Consider who Paul is writing to—Colossians 1:2). 2) What are the implications of the fact that not only is Jesus seated at the right ha...

Home Group Questions Read Matthew 25:31-46  1) In this passage, Jesus is at the end of a long teaching about the end of the age and coming judgment, which began in chapter 24. What would you say Jesus is specifically teaching us about Himself in this parable? How should a true understanding of this affect the way we live our lives?     2) How does verse 34 help us to see that salvation is not earn...

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1. Are there things that people have said, or things that people have insisted you should do or experience if you are a true believer, that have made you question your Christianity or your closeness to God? What is your assurance that you haven’t been disqualified? (Romans 10:9-10; Colossians 1:11-14)     2. Fasting is a good practice; Jesus even said, “when you fast.” But at what point do you thi...

As we recap what we have already covered, discuss what you have learned, enjoyed, been challenged by, or been encouraged by in the book of Colossians. Are there any parts, verses, or concepts that stand out to you? The doctrine of perseverance of the saints (once saved, always saved) is shown here in Colossians (see 1:3-5, 12-14, 21-22, 2:13-14). Yet, Paul also writes, 'if indeed you continue...

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Home group questions: What is the main message of Psalm 96? How would you summarize it in your own words? How would you define the word “worship”? What does that definition mean for the way you live your daily life? John Piper wrote: “Missions is not the ultimate goal of the church. Worship is. Missions exist because worship doesn’t. Worship is ultimate, not missions, because God is ultimate, not...

Home Group Questions Knowing the horrendous sins that David has committed (2 Sam 11), how does this Psalm encourage you or challenge you in approaching God when you have sinned? Why is it crucial to recognise that our sins are ultimately against God? Discuss the relationship between: God’s love and a believer's repentance. God’s grace and a believer's repentance. God’s judgement and a be...

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How does this passage speak against the idea that we can achieve salvation, or overcome our sinful nature, by our own efforts? Read Romans 6:1-14 - What are the similarities and differences between the Romans passage and Colossians 2:11-15? How does the Romans passage help us to understand that we can be both circumcised of the body of flesh (the sinful nature) and yet still sin? (Consider also Ro...

Questions: 1. How is verse 6 a great summary of the Christian life? What does it mean to be rooted in our faith, and how is that achieved? What is the relationship between being rooted in our faith and being built up and established in our faith? (2 Peter 1:3-9; 1 Thessalonians 4:1-8; Colossians 1:9-10).     2. What is Paul trying to remind the Colossians (and us) of when he writes “as you receive...

Read together 1 Cor 1:17 – 1 Cor 2:5 1) For those who are comfortable to do so, would you feel comfortable giving your personal testimony to the group? 2) There were two examples in the sermon of Christ patterned, Christ promised and Christ Present. Explore together the two sections if Scripture, below, and see where you can see Christ patterned, Christ promised and Christ Present: a) Gen 3:7 – 3:...

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Home group questions, 1) Why do you think some people search for hidden codes and mysteries within the Bible?  Even if there were “hidden codes” in the Bible do you think they are important or useful for the mission of the church? (Consider Romans 1:16, 10:17; 1 Cor 2:1-5).  If someone happens to claim to have been given special revelation or has been shown hidden mysteries from or about God, how...

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Home group questions 1. What do you understand about the difference between the sacrifices of the pagan religions compared to the sacrifices of Israel? (Consider Leviticus 5:10; Psalm 50:5-23; 54:4-7; Deuteronomy 12:29-31) How would the term ‘living sacrifice’ be strange to the Christians who first heard/read it?    2. What does it mean to present our bodies as living sacrifices? (Consider Mark 8:...

Home group questions: To clarify the doctrine of Jesus as both God and Man The Chalcedonian Creed (451) says this: Following the holy fathers we confess one and the same our Lord Jesus Christ, and all teach as one that the same is perfect in Godhead, the same perfect in manhood; truly God and truly man; the same of a reasonable soul and body; consubstantial with the Father in Godhead and the same...

Home group questions: 1) What does Paul mean when he says that Jesus is the ‘image of the invisible God’?(v15) Hint: see John 1:18, Hebrews 1:3. Some of the Colossians may have been teaching that through visions and the worship of angels they can get a better understanding of God. If we need new or different revelation about God, what does that say about Jesus?   2) How do you think Paul would exp...

1 Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, and Timothy our brother, 2 To the saints and faithful brothers in Christ at Colossae: Grace to you and peace from God our Father. 3 We always thank God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, when we pray for you, 4 since we heard of your faith in Christ Jesus and of the love that you have for all the saints, 5 because of the hope laid up for yo...

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Shamgar 31 After Ehud came Shamgar son of Anath, who struck down six hundred Philistines with an oxgoad. He too saved Israel. Send us Fan Mail