Beware of the Drift – Week 7

Colossians 3:8-15 (NLT)

8 But now is the time to get rid of anger, rage, malicious behavior, slander, and dirty language. 9 Don’t lie to each other, for you have stripped off your old sinful nature and all its wicked deeds. 10 Put on your new nature, and be renewed as you learn to know your Creator and become like him. 11 In this new life, it doesn’t matter if you are a Jew or a Gentile, circumcised or uncircumcised, barbaric, uncivilized, slave, or free. Christ is all that matters, and he lives in all of us.

12 Since God chose you to be the holy people he loves, you must clothe yourselves with tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. 13 Make allowance for each other’s faults, and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others. 14 Above all, clothe yourselves with love, which binds us all together in perfect harmony. 15 And let the peace that comes from Christ rule in your hearts. For as members of one body you are called to live in peace. And always be thankful.

The peace of Christ is the inner calm of one who walks daily with Jesus.

“LET THE PEACE OF CHRIST RULE YOUR LIFE” MEANS:

1. Don’t slander.

2. Update labels.

Colossians 3:11 (NLT)

11 In this new life, it doesn’t matter if you are a Jew or a Gentile, circumcised or uncircumcised, barbaric, uncivilized, slave, or free. Christ is all that matters, and he lives in all of us.

3. Be kind.

Be gentle.

Be patient.

Be humble.

Be compassionate.

COMMUNITY GROUP MEETING OUTLINE

Where your faith intersects with real life!

Reconnect:

Each person shares a recent high and low from their life.

Explore:

Review the message notes.

Big Idea: Let the peace of Christ rule your life to live less stressed.

Consider:

Choose one or two questions for your Group to discuss as time allows.

▶ Read Colossians 3:8-10. Do you tend to see stress in your life as making a butterfly, a diamond, a pearl, or squeezing the juice out of you?

▶ Read Colossians 3:11-12. Which of these godly characteristics comes most naturally to you?

▶ Read Colossians 3:13-14. What makes forgiveness so difficult and how have you overcome?

Activate:

Spend a moment in silence to consider your response, then share your decision with the Group.

Read Colossians 3:15. Which of the “be’s” mentioned is the one you feel prompted toward, and where will you want to be most aware of it in your life this week?

Be kind.
Be gentle.
Be patient.
Be humble.
Be compassionate.

Prayer:

Thank God for the highs and lift up the lows.

Ask God that collectively, we, the Church, are seen as people of peace.