Focusing our minds on the real home of our souls
Colossians 3: 1 – 4
Which do you like better (and why): a sunset, a star-lit sky, an air show, or fireworks?
In what way have followers of Jesus been “raised” with Jesus?
Why does Paul use the resurrection as his ground for the concept of a transformed Christian life?
How has Jesus’ resurrection begun to make things new in your life?
What are the earthly things that Paul is saying we should not make the focus of our minds?
What are the heavenly things that Paul is insisting should be our focus.
Why does he argue for this change in perspective?
What earthly things are most distracting to you in your spiritual journey?
What does Paul argue is the absolute focal point of the things that are above?
What thoughts or values or attitudes do you have that makes focusing on Jesus’ reign in heaven difficult?
In a practical sense, how can we experience this change in perspective?
In what ways have disciples metaphorically or spiritually died with Jesus?
What does it mean for our lives to be hidden in Jesus?
Why is the return of Jesus something for which every disciple should be longing?
How should these truths change the way that we view our lives?
Memorize the passage and mediate on it for one hour this week.
Be sure to review this week the other verses you have memorized as well.
Monday, June 29, 2009
Monday, June 22, 2009
Habits That Can Distract You From What Is Most Important
Habits that can distract you from what is most important
Colossians 2: 16 – 23
What are some habits that you have established in your life?
Describe the false teaching that Paul is combating in this region based on his statements in tonight’s passage.
What kinds of things do those who support this false teaching use to judge others?
Based on our evidence, how would you describe the character of those who are doing this judging?
What are some standards that you use to judge other people that do not line up with the gospel of Jesus?
How can we go about becoming less judgmental people?
What is it about the teaching of these false teachers that is so incredibly false?
Why are the rituals that are being described in this text considered to be of no spiritual value for a disciple?
Why is Paul so terribly concerned that the Colossians disregard the warnings these folks are giving?
What are some spiritually neutral habits that our culture has elevated to the point of religious observance?
Which of these are most distracting to you in your spiritual journey?
How can we distinguish between changes that are vital in our lives to reflect our faith and those that are optional?
How do we effectively differentiate between practicing healthy spiritual discipline, harmless everyday practices, and unhealthy ritual habits?
What is Jesus’ relationship to those who are sincere disciple’s according to this text?
According to Paul, how does a person demonstrate that they are not plugged into Jesus?
How can we make sure we are connected to Jesus in the advice that we give to other disciples?
Memorize verse 17 and meditate on it for one hour this week.
Colossians 2: 16 – 23
What are some habits that you have established in your life?
Describe the false teaching that Paul is combating in this region based on his statements in tonight’s passage.
What kinds of things do those who support this false teaching use to judge others?
Based on our evidence, how would you describe the character of those who are doing this judging?
What are some standards that you use to judge other people that do not line up with the gospel of Jesus?
How can we go about becoming less judgmental people?
What is it about the teaching of these false teachers that is so incredibly false?
Why are the rituals that are being described in this text considered to be of no spiritual value for a disciple?
Why is Paul so terribly concerned that the Colossians disregard the warnings these folks are giving?
What are some spiritually neutral habits that our culture has elevated to the point of religious observance?
Which of these are most distracting to you in your spiritual journey?
How can we distinguish between changes that are vital in our lives to reflect our faith and those that are optional?
How do we effectively differentiate between practicing healthy spiritual discipline, harmless everyday practices, and unhealthy ritual habits?
What is Jesus’ relationship to those who are sincere disciple’s according to this text?
According to Paul, how does a person demonstrate that they are not plugged into Jesus?
How can we make sure we are connected to Jesus in the advice that we give to other disciples?
Memorize verse 17 and meditate on it for one hour this week.
Tuesday, June 16, 2009
A Surprisingly Absolute Spiritual Revolution
A surprisingly absolute spiritual revolution
Colossians 2: 9 – 15
When is a time in your life that you got into some trouble with the law?
Describe the person of Jesus as he is portrayed in this passage.
Why does Paul keep spending time dwelling upon these theological truths about Jesus?
What has Paul added to our knowledge about Jesus in this text from what he has already told us?
What could you do this week that would help you to learn more about Jesus?
What impact does the death of Jesus have upon our lives and the world according to this text?
How does Jesus’ death make the things that Paul is describing possible for us?
Why does Paul seem to be so fixated on Jesus’ death on the cross?
How open are you to more deeply embracing the free gift that Jesus offered by his death?
How does Paul describe the lives of the Colossians prior to their acceptance of the gospel?
Describe the change that they experience in their lives because of Jesus’ spiritual revolution.
Why does Jesus’ death have this kind of enormous effect on upon them?
According to this passage, what is our part in receiving the free gift of the gospel?
How does your life need to change because of what Jesus has done for you?
How does the reality of what Jesus has done for us impact your emotions towards God?
What can you do to demonstrate your thankfulness to him this week for what Jesus has done?
Memorize verse 13 and meditate upon it for one hour this week.
Colossians 2: 9 – 15
When is a time in your life that you got into some trouble with the law?
Describe the person of Jesus as he is portrayed in this passage.
Why does Paul keep spending time dwelling upon these theological truths about Jesus?
What has Paul added to our knowledge about Jesus in this text from what he has already told us?
What could you do this week that would help you to learn more about Jesus?
What impact does the death of Jesus have upon our lives and the world according to this text?
How does Jesus’ death make the things that Paul is describing possible for us?
Why does Paul seem to be so fixated on Jesus’ death on the cross?
How open are you to more deeply embracing the free gift that Jesus offered by his death?
How does Paul describe the lives of the Colossians prior to their acceptance of the gospel?
Describe the change that they experience in their lives because of Jesus’ spiritual revolution.
Why does Jesus’ death have this kind of enormous effect on upon them?
According to this passage, what is our part in receiving the free gift of the gospel?
How does your life need to change because of what Jesus has done for you?
How does the reality of what Jesus has done for us impact your emotions towards God?
What can you do to demonstrate your thankfulness to him this week for what Jesus has done?
Memorize verse 13 and meditate upon it for one hour this week.
Wednesday, June 03, 2009
Something thats worth a complete change of life
Who is your worst enemy in the whole world, and why are they your enemy?
What makes a person an enemy of God according to this text?
Why does sin create this kind of rift in a relationship with God?
What are some ways that you have acted like God’s enemy this past week?
Why is it so easy for us to lapse into those kinds of negative behaviors?
According to this text what has God done in order to bring this church back into right relationship with God?
How does the death of Jesus on the cross deal with the problem of our evil behavior?
What are some changes that God desires to make in your attitudes, values, and actions based on what Jesus’ death?
What role do we play as individuals in this relationship with God?
Why are we expected to continue trusting him in order to experience this relationship with him?
What are some practical steps that a person can take to stand firm in their belief in a world that is full doubt, skepticism, and cynicism?
What does it mean to be a person who is a servant of the good news of Jesus?
Why does Paul wear that title like a badge of honor when talking with this and other churches?
How could you function more as a servant of the good news of Jesus this week among your friends?
What makes a person an enemy of God according to this text?
Why does sin create this kind of rift in a relationship with God?
What are some ways that you have acted like God’s enemy this past week?
Why is it so easy for us to lapse into those kinds of negative behaviors?
According to this text what has God done in order to bring this church back into right relationship with God?
How does the death of Jesus on the cross deal with the problem of our evil behavior?
What are some changes that God desires to make in your attitudes, values, and actions based on what Jesus’ death?
What role do we play as individuals in this relationship with God?
Why are we expected to continue trusting him in order to experience this relationship with him?
What are some practical steps that a person can take to stand firm in their belief in a world that is full doubt, skepticism, and cynicism?
What does it mean to be a person who is a servant of the good news of Jesus?
Why does Paul wear that title like a badge of honor when talking with this and other churches?
How could you function more as a servant of the good news of Jesus this week among your friends?
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
