Pastor Chris talked what it means to see Jesus as 100% sufficient for our spiritual needs, completely apart from the unhealthy rules and regulations of charismatic or compelling people.
MY STORY
If you were not a Christian, which life philosophy would you most likely follow? What would be compelling to you about this way of living and making decisions?
WHAT DOES GOD WANT US TO HEAR?
See to it that no one takes you captive by philosophy and empty deceit, according to human tradition, according to the elemental spirits of the world, and not according to Christ. For in him the whole fullness of deity dwells bodily, and you have been filled in him, who is the head of all rule and authority. (Colossians 2:8-11)
Paul uses the metaphor of being rooted to describe what it means to be deeply connected to Jesus…
What are the characteristics of a deeply-rooted tree— one that is close to a water source and has open exposure to the sun?
What can we draw from this analogy to describe what it means to be rooted in Christ?
What are some compelling non-biblical philosophies present in the world today? Why are they so seductive to many people?
In what ways might some of them be tempting to you?
Therefore let no one pass judgment on you in questions of food and drink, or with regard to a festival or a new moon or a Sabbath. These are a shadow of the things to come, but the substance belongs to Christ.
WHAT DOES GOD WANT US TO HEAR?
Let no one disqualify you, insisting on asceticism and worship of angels, going on in detail about visions, puffed up without reason by his sensuous mind, and not holding fast to the Head, from whom the whole body, nourished and knit together through its joints and ligaments, grows with a growth that is from God. If with Christ you died to the elemental spirits of the world, why, as if you were still alive in the world, do you submit to regulations— “Do not handle, Do not taste, Do not touch” (referring to things that all perish as they are used)—according to human precepts and teachings? (Colossians 2:16-22)
What does it mean, practically speaking, for Jesus to be the Head of the church?
[Extra credit: Read the Seven Letters to the Seven Churches in Revelations 2-3 to see how Jesus exercises his Headship over seven local congregations.]
What would be some of the elemental spirits of the world that stand in opposition to the Headship of Jesus over entire congregations and individual believers?
What does God want us to hear? Based on the passage and the questions above, what “takeaways” do you think God has revealed to you?
WHAT DOES GOD WANT US TO DO?
How would you describe your moral compass—the one by which you make your daily decisions (especially in regard to your relationships)?
What is your “true north” on that compass?
What does it mean to not allow yourself to make decisions (big or small) based on the unhealthy judgements of others?
Why is it sometimes we hope for the approval of people who don’t really have your best interests in mind?
What does God want us to do? Flowing out of our reading and interpretation, what action does this passage or the Spirit’s leading, call us to?
WHAT DOES GOD WANT ME TO DO?
If someone were to interact with you, and later say (to someone else), “That’s what Jesus must be like” ... what would that person be pointing out?
What does it mean to have a greater sense of the ways Christ indwells you?
What are some practical ways to allow that greater awareness to impact the ways you interact with others?
What does God want ME to do? What is the personal application and action step God is calling you, personally, toward?
Message Notes
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