Beware of the Drift – Week 2

Colossians 1:9-14 (NIV)

9 For this reason, since the day we heard about you, we have not stopped praying for you. We continually ask God to fill you with the knowledge of his will through all the wisdom and understanding that the Spirit gives, 10 so that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and please him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God, 11 being strengthened with all power according to his glorious might so that you may have great endurance and patience, 12 and giving joyful thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of his holy people in the kingdom of light. 13 For he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves, 14 in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.

Avoid spiritual confusion by being complete in Christ.

HOW TO AVOID SPIRITUAL CONFUSION:

1. Be filled with spiritual insight.

Philippians 2:12-13 (NLT)

12 Dear friends, you always followed my instructions when I was with you. And now that I am away, it is even more important. Work hard to show the results of your salvation, obeying God with deep reverence and fear. 13 For God is working in you, giving you the desire and the power to do what pleases him.

2. Be fruitful in every good work.

Colossians 1:11-12 (MSG)

We pray that you’ll have the strength to stick it out over the long haul—not the grim strength of gritting your teeth but the glory-strength God gives. It is strength that endures the unendurable and spills over into joy, thanking the Father who makes us strong enough to take part in everything bright and beautiful that he has for us.

3. Be thankful in all circumstances.

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 (NIV)

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: Avoid spiritual confusion by being complete in Christ.

Consider:

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

▶ Read Colossians 1:9-10. What does it mean to “live a life worthy of the Lord and please him in every way”?

▶ Read Philippians 2:12-13. How does verse 13 look in your life?

▶ Read 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 (NIV). What are some areas in real life that are difficult to give thanks for?

▶ Read Colossians 1:13-14. What does it mean to you to be “qualified”?

Activate:

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

Read Colossians 1:11-12 (Message). In what area of your life is God prompting you toward character, willingness, or endurance? How will you respond?

Prayer:

Thank God for the highs and lift up the lows.

Pray for the areas brought up in the Activate question.