Introduction
Kick of the discussion with prayer followed by this week’s reading and discussion questions
You can use the kick off prayer below (or do your own), and give time for others to pray into the night together.
Example kick off prayer: Father we praise you for gathering us together. Despite whatever weighed on our hearts as we entered this house, we pray that your Spirit guides our time together and free us from anything that is not of you. We pray that by the strength of your might we may speak truth in love to one another. We pray that we are led by the gifts of your spirit, so that we may build up one another and your church as a whole. As we read your word, we pray that we may be filled with the knowledge of your will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding, so as to walk in a manner pleasing to you.
Passage: 8 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. 9 For in him the whole fullness of deity dwells bodily, 10 and you have been filled in him, who is the head of all rule and authority. 11 In him also you were circumcised with a circumcision made without hands, by putting off the body of the flesh, by the circumcision of Christ, 12 having been buried with him in baptism, in which you were also raised with him through faith in the powerful working of God, who raised him from the dead. 13 And you, who were dead in your trespasses and the uncircumcision of your flesh, God made alive together with him, having forgiven us all our trespasses, 14 by canceling the record of debt that stood against us with its legal demands. This he set aside, nailing it to the cross. 15 He disarmed the rulers and authorities and put them to open shame, by triumphing over them in him.
The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles, 2016), Col 2:8–15.
Discussion
- Where do you turn for answers to big life questions, such as what is my purpose in life? Why am I this way? Why me? or How can I be a better parent, friend or spouse?
- Why do you rely on those sources for answers?
- Reread v8. What philosophies don't necessarily come from Christ, but you find particularly captivating?
- Why are they so captivating, and does Jesus have anything relevant to say?
Share with one another and pray for one another. Pray for God to speak into your direct questions and circumstance. Ask the Holy Spirit for a gift, such as a word or image, that can be used to build up someone in your group.
Habit of Grace
Habit of Grace: Service
There are so may ways in which we can serve one another? Last week we talked about our love languages, but on the flip side what is one way you love to love others? Are you practical and like to help people physically, such as moving days? Do you love buying gifts for people or sharing what you have? Do you love hosting people and making them feel included? What acts of service give you the most joy?
- Is there a way this love of service could be utilised in one of our current service teams? If so, join the team.
- When you think of your preferred way to serve, does someone come to mind who could be blessed by that act of service? If yes, go do it this week.
- This weekend is moving day for the Kusel's, if you can help reach out to Tripthi!
Discuss, pray and encourage one another.