Week of October 18

Colossians: The X-Factor Difference of Christ in You
The most frequently given promise from God in the Bible is “God with us”. But what about those times when God feels distant, silent or absent? How do we lean into God’s presence in the difficult times of life? Join us for our 2026 Christmas series, “God with us?”, as we lean into the promise of “God with us”, especially in the times when it feels like God is not with us.

Week 7: Conforming to His Image – 3:12-16
Jesus is the ultimate x-factor in life. Is Jesus the ultimate X-factor in your life? In your daily life? Since we are in Christ, our new identity is in Him. As we abide in Jesus, we will see the characteristics of Christ come out of us. The Holy Spirit will produce in us the qualities of Jesus.

DISCUSSION/REFLECTION QUESTIONS:
ICE BREAKER QUESTION:
What is one quality you appreciate most in a friend and why?

READ: Colossians 3:12-16. 
Spend some time SOAPing this passage. You can either spend time SOAPing individually and documenting for a several minutes and then spend time sharing with each -OR- SOAP in real time with each other. Either way make as many observations as you can.

  • OBSERVATIONS:
    1. What stands out to you from this passage What are your observations?
    2. How would you summarize this passage in one sentence?
    3. What does this passage tell me about who Jesus is?
    4. What does this passage tell me about who I am in Christ?
    5. What does this tell me about how I can be a difference maker?
  • QUESTIONS:
    1. Paul describes some qualities of Christ: compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. Which quality stand out to you most, and why?
    2. Why can’t we achieve these qualities on our own power?
    3. Why do you think Paul connects forgiveness with the way Christ has forgiven us?
    4. What makes forgiveness difficult, and how does remembering Christ’s forgiveness change our perspective?
    5. Verse 14 says love binds everything together in perfect unity. What do you think that looks like in a church or small group?
    6. Clay said whatever dwells in your heart will eventually rule your heart. What are some things ruling in your heart instead of the peace of God? How can we make God supreme in our lives?
    7. Verse 16 encourages us to let the word of Christ dwell richly among us. What are some ways we can help God’s Word shape our conversations and relationships throughout this week?
    8. What else stood out from this week’s sermon?

APPLICATION:
What is your big takeaway from this week’s sermon? Be specific.

NEXT STEPS:
Everyone has a next step to apply what we’ve learned. What’s your next step? Be specific.

MEMORY VERSE: *Challenge yourself or your group to commit this verse to memory:
Colossians 3:12 “Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.”

PRAYER:
Spend some time praying as a group using Colossians 1:9-12 as a guide.

Scripture References:
Colossians 3:1-12; Romans 8:29; Philippians 3:20-21; Nehemiah 8:1-6