Read: Colossians 3:15b, 16b, 17b, Romans 1:21, 1 Thessalonians 5:18
How does Paul compare and contrast a thankful heart with being a Christian? How does it relate to faith?
What does this reveal about today’s divided world? What does this reveal about the church today?
In what way do you struggle being thankful? (i.e. glass ½ empty) What does this reveal about growth?
Read: Colossians 3:15-17, 1:3, 12, 2:7, 4:2
Why do you think Paul continually focuses on being thankful throughout this letter?
What ultimately does being thankful prevent? In what way is it a decision? Be specific.
How does this highlight when spiritual progress is taking place? Ask God for ways you can be thankful?
Read: Colossians 3:15, Ephesians 5:18-19
What similar message does Paul give to both the Colossian and Ephesian church about peace? Be specific.
What different message does Paul give to both the Colossian and the Ephesian church? Be specific.
What does this imply about the role of the church in today’s divided world? What does this reveal to you?
Read: Colossians 3:15, Psalm 119:12-16, 2 Timothy 2:15, 3:16, Philippians 2:14-16
What does it mean to “let the word of Christ dwell”? What is required to make this happen?
How does this relate to navigating in today’s divided world? How will this also measure progress?
In what way can you “dwell” on things that don’t help? What adjustments is God prompting you to take?
Read: Colossians 3:15, Philippians 4:8-10
Explain Paul’s instructions for experiencing God’s peace. What steps of prevention need to take place?
Why will monitoring input impact output? (Hint: “think about these things”) How does division relate?
Identify two areas of your daily life that can trigger unrest. What steps of prevention will you take?
Read: Colossians 3:15, Romans 5:1, Ephesians 2:13-14, 4:1-3, John 14:27
In what way is experiencing the peace of Christ a decision? (i.e. “let”) What is the result of the alternative?
How does this apply to division in today’s divided world? Give an example.
Why can peace be an indicator for spiritual growth? What does this reveal to you? Be specific.
Read: Colossians 3:8-14
As you reflect on this passage and the metaphor of getting spiritually dressed, what comes to mind?
List two specific things you need to “put off” today? What specific things will you now “put on” today?
How will this help you navigate through the potholes of today/s divided culture? Pray about it now.
Read: Colossians 3:14, 1 Corinthians 13:4-8a, Romans 5:8
What words does Paul use to describe love? How does this explain the way it “binds everything together”?
What is implied about people deserving biblical love? How does Romans 5:8 help? Be specific.
How do you see culture behaving in the opposite way? Give an example. How does this adjust you?
Read: Colossians 3:14, Ephesians 5:1-2, 1 Cor. 13:1-3, 13, 1 Pet. 4:8, 1 John 4:7-8, Mt. 22:39
Why is biblical love the most important virtue in Christian living? How is it different than worldly love?
How would you describe culture today in terms of love? How has it had an impact on today’s church?
In what way has this had an impact on you? How does 1 John 4:7-8 help? Be specific.
Read: Colossians 3:13, Romans 12:18-19, Titus 3:10-11
What is Paul preventing by encouraging forgiveness to be part of every Christian community?
Explain the difference between forgiveness and reconciliation. Why is this distinction important?
How easy is it for you to forgive others? Why? How and with whom do you need to adjust and change?
Read: Colossians 3:13, Matthew 6:12, 18:21-35, Luke 23:34, Ephesians 4:31-32, Romans 5:8-9
In what way is “forgiveness” the basis for Christianity? How should this impact all our relationships?
Why is timing important? How can reflecting on God’s forgiveness toward you help? Be specific.
How is personal offense, grudges, and forgiveness a choice? What choice do you need to make today?
Read: Colossians 3:12-13a, Ephesians 4:1-3, Matthew 5:21-24, 18:21-22
In what way does Paul encourage the Colossian Christian to deal with difficult relationships?
Why will the temptation always be to avoid rather than “bear”? Why is this an important issue?
How do you see this temptation in your life? What specific relationship do you need to do more “bearing”?
Read: Colossians 3:11-12, Proverbs 15:1-2, 1 Corinthians 15:33, Phil. 4:8, Titus 3:10-11
What is implied about division when it comes to influencing others? Why is this important to remember?
In what way will this fly in the face of today’s “whose side are you on” mentality? Give an example.
As you consider how you are being influenced and influencing others, what needs to be curtailed?
Read: Colossians 3:8-9, 12
Briefly list the areas Paul commands all Christians to “put off”. Now list the areas to “put on”.
How do they compare and contrast each other? What does this imply about just stopping behavior?
In what way do you think this will be a challenge today? What will you put off and put on today?
Read: Colossians 3:8-9, 12, Romans 13:12-14, Ephesians 4:20-25
What is implied with the command to put “off” and put “on” certain types of behaviors?
How does this clothing metaphor essentially address spiritual growth? How often do you think about this?
Given today’s divided culture, how will you be more intentional to get spiritually dressed?
Read: Colossians 3:11, Acts 10:17-33, Luke 10:25-37
In what way did the Apostle Peter struggle with discrimination issues at the Colossian church?
How did Jesus address this with the Samaritan story? What does sinful discrimination always prevent?
How does this happen in Christianity today? How does this challenge your current approach toward others?
Read: Colossians 3:11, Romans 3:23, 10:11-12
Romans 3:23 says everyone is sinful regardless of race, social status, or gender. Why is this important?
Scripture also distinguishes between believers and non-believers. Why is this important?
How does this help explain the difference between biblical distinctions and sinful discrimination?
Read: Colossians 3:11, Galatians 3:28
What type of sinful division was Paul addressing in both the Colossian and the Galatian church?
How did this relate to political, cultural, and social distinctions? Be specific. Why was this sinful?
In what way can this subtly take place in your life? Give an example. How can avoiding labels help?
