COLOSSIANS

...rooted in Christ
What comes to mind when you think of the Christian life? For many of us, it’s our church membership and the relationships we have in the body. For others, it’s a sense of God’s transcendence during worship. Some immediately think of their love of Scripture. Still others think of striving for faithfulness and integrity in all areas of life. But another answer lies behind and beneath them all. When you think of the Christian life, you ought to think of Christ. God’s word never downplays our intentionality with day-to-day life. Instead, it links the daily concerns to the dominion and victory of Jesus. What you’re called to do and be is always rooted in who He is and what He’s done for us.

Why are we immersing our church in the book of Colossians this Fall? First, because it perfectly weaves together a high and exalted view of Christ with the very gritty details of our daily experience. Second, because we’ve said for years that Indian Trail Church exists to glorify God by building and reproducing a biblically healthy church, rooted in Christ. The book of Colossians (perhaps better than any other) can help us see just what it means for our church to truly root itself in the gospel of Jesus Christ. Finally, as we prepare to establish new churches, we could do no better than to remember that all of what we do ripples out from the grace and love of God shown to us in His Son.

Whether as churches or as individuals, our hope is that Colossians will cause us all to be more and more rooted in Christ. 

Pulpit Schedule:
December 1st: Putting on Christ - Church {Colossians 3:12-17}
December 8th: Putting on Christ - Home {Colossians 3:18-21}
December 15th: Putting on Christ - Work {Colossians 3:22-4:1}
December 22nd: Proclaiming Christ {Colossians 4:2-6}
December 29th: Ministering in Christ {Colossians 4:7-18}

Discussion/Study Questions:

We hope this list of simple bible study questions serves you as you meet together in discipling relationships, home groups, or even around your dinner table. You’ll notice questions that come from all areas of sound bible study: observation, interpretation, and application. We recommend that as you prepare for a time in Colossians with other believers, you pick two or three questions and thoughtfully and prayerfully answer them for a given passage.

  1. In this passage, do you see a central truth that Paul is trying to teach? Try to write it down in a short statement. What parts of the passage lead you to see this as the central truth?
  2. Do any words/concepts seem to repeat in this passage? What does this show you about Paul’s meaning?
  3. How does this passage relate to what we’ve already learned in Colossians (or what’s coming up)? How does this passage relate to other parts of the Old or New Testament?
  4. Do you see any attributes of God’s nature/character displayed in this passage? What are they, and why is each one significant?
  5. Are there any promises of God in this passage that you can rejoice in and rely upon?
  6. What does this passage teach about Christ or our need for Him?
  7. What sins does this passage expose or prohibit? In what ways have you struggled with these sins? What actions can you take to overcome these sins in your own life?
  8. What areas of needed Christian growth are encouraged or implied in this passage? In what ways have you grown in these areas in your Christian walk? What’s needed now for you to take the next steps in growth?
  9. What are some ways this passage leads you to worship the Lord?
  10. Does this passage hold any truths that could be held out as “good news” to non-believers in evangelism?
  11. How can you use this passage to help a brother or sister grow in Christ?
  12. What elements of this passage can you pray through? Spend time praying about these when you get together.

Make No Provision
Go here for some diagnostic questions about making no provision for the flesh. (Listen to the sermon on Colossians 3:5-11)