An X factor is the thing that makes the difference in how something turns out. In Colossians we discover how finding our life in Christ, and living our life in Christ, is the ultimate x factor that makes all the difference in how our lives and how life itself all turns out.
Week 1: To God’s Holy People – Colossians 1:1-8
Paul addresses this letter to “God’s Holy people in Colossae” or to the “saints” in Colossae. This letter is for you too and that is you when you are “in Christ”. Saints, God’s Holy people. Thank God for the good news that changes us. Thank God for life in Christ. The best was to say “thank you” for this gift of life in Christ is to live your life in Christ. And to share it with others?
DISCUSSION/REFLECTION QUESTIONS:
- What was a highlight for you from this past week?
- Who have you heard about Jesus from in your life? Who impacted you with the Gospel?
- READ: Colossians 1:1-8. 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: What stands out to you from this passage What are your observations?
- How would you summarize this passage in one sentence?
- What does this passage tell me about who God is?
- What does this passage tell us about who we are?
- What do you think it means that we are called “Saints” and “God’s Holy People” in Christ?
- What keeps you from seeing yourself as Holy in Christ? And part of God’s Holy people?
- READ: Colossians 1:4-5.
- How would you define faith?
- How would you define hope?
- How would you define love?
- Epaphras told Paul about their faith. Doug said, “Our faith has a reputation.” What kind of reputation does your faith have? What kind of reputation do you want your faith have?
- Epaphras had an impactful faith that impacted the Colossians. Doug offered a plan to develop an impactful faith: (HP + CP + CC = MI)…High Potency + Close Proximity + Clear Communication = Maximum Impact
- High Potency: How can you develop high potency in your life in Christ?
- Close Proximity: Who has God placed you around that needs to hear the Gospel? Who will hear about Jesus because of you? Who could you share the Good News of Jesus Gospel with?
- Clear Communication: Are you ready to share your faith? How could get ready or get better at sharing your faith?
- Create an “Impact List”. Make a list of people in your sphere of influence or in your life that you would like to see find and follow Jesus. Start praying for them and look for an opportunity to invite them to church or for an opportunity to share the Gospel.
- 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 1:4-5 “…because we have heard of your faith in Christ Jesus and of the love you have for all God’s people—the faith and love that spring from the hope stored up for you in heaven and about which you have already heard in the true message of the gospel…”
PRAYER: Spend some time praying as a group. Pray for each other. And pray for your impact lists and for boldness to share your faith.
Scripture References:
Colossians 1:1-8; Colossians 4:16; 2 Timothy 2:14-17; Galatians 1:6-7; Psalm 139:13-14