Pastor Matt talked about how many people are searching desperately for something to make life worth living, but they can't figure out what it is.
MY STORY
We've all had times when we did manual work that left us absolutely filthy. Describe a time when you got to take off those stinky, sweaty, dirty clothes, enjoy a shower, and put on something clean. How did that feel?
WHAT DOES GOD WANT US TO HEAR?
If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth. For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. When Christ who is your life appears, then you also will appear with him in glory.
Put to death therefore what is earthly in you: sexual immorality, impurity, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry. On account of these the wrath of God is coming. In these you too once walked, when you were living in them. But now you must put them all away: anger, wrath, malice, slander, and obscene talk from your mouth. Do not lie to one another, seeing that you have put off the old self with its practices and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge after the image of its creator. Here there is not Greek and Jew, circumcised and uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave, free; but Christ is all, and in all. (Colossians 3:1-11)
Where is Christ seated? What is the significance of his place, especially in regard to his authority? What types of things come to mind when you hear the words, "things that are above"? What about "things that are on earth?" List out three things in each category.
WHAT DOES GOD WANT US TO HEAR?
What are some of the differences Paul describes between the old self and the new self? How have you seen these played out in your life?
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?
Pastor Matt reminded us, "Paul says your identity - my identity is not of this world anymore, so those lists shouldn't define me anymore. I have a new life. It's hidden with Christ, in God, safe and secure. And if that is true, thean I can have peace. Listen, I don't want to be angry all the time. I don't want stuff coming out of my mouth that destroys other people. I don't want to live that way. I don't have to live that way. What I now have, my identity in Christ, gives me peace. "
If you were to ask a trusted friend to help you see what's in your blind spots, especially in regard to your sinful tendencies, what do you think you'd hear?
Here there is not Greek and Jew, circumcised and uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave, free; but Christ is all, and in all. (Colossians 3:11)
Rewrite this sentence by replacing the identities of the church in Colossae with identities that are common today (these could have to do with race, status, religion, etc.).
How has Jesus manifested His compassion and mission in each of these identities? How can anyone in these identities ultimately find Christ, and therefore find meaning and purpose in their lives?
Are there any topics that you should avoid discussing with others, especially some believers, knowing that they may cause division? How do you make decisions like this?
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?
For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. When Christ who is your life appears, then you also will appear with him in glory. (Colossians 3:4)
For now, your life is hidden with Christ. What positive traits will be revealed in you when Christ returns?
Do you sense that there is one thing in particular God is calling you to "put to death"? If so, what is it? What will it cost you to do that?
Focus on the primary thing Jesus has provided for you that gives you a sense of significance, meaning, and purpose in life. Celebrate that gift this week.
Look for someone in your circle of influence who seems a little lost in regard to making their lives worth living … and see what you can do to help him or her find that meaning in Jesus.
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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