Week of October 25

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.

Submission to Christ – 3:17-25
Jesus is the ultimate x-factor in life. Is Jesus the ultimate X-factor in your life? In your daily life? If we are in Christ, then He is our ultimate authority. Our relationships, marriages and families thrive when we live out our God-designed roles and ultimately submit to His will and His ways.

DISCUSSION / REFLECTION QUESTIONS:
ICE BREAKER QUESTION:
Describe your parents’ marriage. What are some things that stick out to you about them that has impacted you?

READ: Colossians 3:17-25
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. What does it mean to live every part of your life for Christ rather than separating your faith from your everyday activities?
    2. Who is someone you know whose daily life reflects their faith in Jesus? What do they do that stands out to you?
    3. What does it look like to do everything in the name of Jesus? (Colossians 3:17, 23) How might this change the way we approach ordinary tasks?
    4. According to verses 18-19, how should husbands and wives treat each other? How can mutual love and respect reflect Christ?
    5. Why does Paul address both children and fathers in verse 20-21? What can parents do to encourage their children spiritually rather than discourage them to obedience?
    6. How can we apply Paul’s instructions about family relationships while also recognizing that the Bible never excuses abuse, cruelty, or the misuse of authority?
    7. How does the reminder that we ultimately serve Christ change the way we view our responsibilities even when no one notices our efforts?
    8. What is one practical way you can honor Jesus in your words, relationships or work this week?
    9. 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 3:17 “And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.”

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

Scripture References:
Colossians 3:17-25; Ephesians 5:22-6:9; Philippians 2:5-8; 1 Peter 5:8; Mark 10:9; Genesis 2:24; John 14:15; Proverbs 22:6; Hebrews 12:6