Pastor Matt challenged us to question putting our faith in anyone else but Jesus, in light of what he accomplished by the power of God in his life, ministry, and atoning work on the cross (on your behalf).
MY STORY
Describe a time when you put your faith into a compelling idea, only to be sorely disappointed.
WHAT DOES GOD WANT US TO HEAR?
"[Jesus] is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation. For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through him and for him. And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together. And he is the head of the body, the church. He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in everything he might be preeminent. For in him all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell, and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether on earth or in heaven, making peace by the blood of his cross.
And you, who once were alienated and hostile in mind, doing evil deeds, he has now reconciled in his body of flesh by his death, in order to present you holy and blameless and above reproach before him, if indeed you continue in the faith, stable and steadfast, not shifting from the hope of the gospel that you heard, which has been proclaimed in all creation under heaven, and of which I, Paul, became a minister.” (Colossians 1:15-23)
Why does Paul avoid all ambiguity when it comes to proclaiming the true deity of Jesus Christ?
List the things Jesus has done as God the Son.
What was his purpose in doing those things?
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 asked...“If this is who Jesus is, if this is what He has done, why would we cling to anyone else? Why would we but our faith in anyone or anything else?”
Choose an influential person in history (besides Jesus), and then spell out his or her accomplishments. Contrast those achievements with what Jesus accomplished through the power of His Father.
How does your life reflect the significance of Jesus in your life...somewhat important, moderately important, or infinitely important?
What specific things in your life reflect how you’ve answered?
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?
Have you experienced saving faith, (that is, have you been reconciled with God through Jesus’ work on the cross), or is that something that still needs to happen?
If you are certain that you are saved, put together a 60-second testimony on how you came to Christ, Ask a non-Christian to listen to your testimony, and give you feedback. Be sure to ask him or her what she believes.
What’s the next step for you in becoming more like Christ?
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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