Pastor Matt talked what it means to be a people who are coming together to know Jesus, to become more like Him, and to help others do the same.
MY STORY
Sometimes we make our own "to-do" list; other times, someone else provides that list. Are you more of a list-maker or list-giver? For what kinds of lists are you motivated to check all the boxes?
WHAT DOES GOD WANT US TO HEAR?
Put on then, as God's chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience, bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive. And above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony. And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God. And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. (Colossians 3:12-17)
Paul reminded the Colossians of the source for change from their former ways was God alone. Then he gave his readers a list of things to do.
Why do you think Paul gave this task-list if it is faith, not works or knowledge, that unites people in Christ?
What does it mean to be chosen, holy, and loved? Why do these three things go well together. What would it be like if you were only two out of three?
When you "clothe" your heart with the characteristics listed, what affect your relationships with others? What grievances (for you) are most difficult to bear or to forgive?
Paul fastened a belt around the cloak of virtues with the words "put on love. "
How does the biblical definition of love enable us to be civil and friendly with people with whom we disagree?
Make a list of twenty things you value for which you are grateful.
What does it mean to do something in the name of Jesus? Why should this action never be taken lightly?
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?
Wives, submit to your husbands, as is fitting in the Lord. Husbands, love your wives, and do not be harsh with them. Children, obey your parents in everything, for this pleases the Lord. Fathers, do not provoke your children, lest they become discouraged. Bondservants, obey in everything those who are your earthly masters, not by way of eye-service, as people-pleasers, but with sincerity of heart, fearing the Lord. Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ. For the wrongdoer will be paid back for the wrong he has done, and there is no partiality. Masters, treat your bondservants justly and fairly, knowing that you also have a Master in heaven. (Colossians 3:18 – 4:1)
How would you feel about following, submitting to, or even obeying a person who cares about what's important to you, and only makes decisions with your best interests in mind?
What is it about our family relationships that could cause us to become more irritated than we might get with friends or associates?
What are your thoughts on a distinction between the instruction to wives and the directive for husbands? What has to happen for this type of arrangement to be pleasing and mutually beneficial for husband and wife?
Give some thought to the "do not" instruction for fathers. What does this guidance prevent?
Why is it beneficial to know that one day, Jesus will judge between you and those with whom you disagree or who have disrespected or hurt you?
Extra credit: Read about how Sarai appealed to God as judge with her husband, Abraham: Sarai said to Abram, May the wrong done to me be on you! I gave my servant to your embrace, and when she saw that she had conceived, she looked on me with contempt. May the Lord judge between you and me! (Genesis 16:5, emphasis added)
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?
How might it be less complicated – even a relief – to live intentionally in agreement with Paul's instructions to the Colossians?
What area of your life do you feel like you want to make that happen?
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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