Beware of the Drift – Week 4

Colossians 1:24-2:5 (NLT)

1:24 I am glad when I suffer for you in my body, for I am participating in the sufferings of Christ that continue for his body, the church. 25 God has given me the responsibility of serving his church by proclaiming his entire message to you. 26 This message was kept secret for centuries and generations past, but now it has been revealed to God’s people. 27 For God wanted them to know that the riches and glory of Christ are for you Gentiles, too. And this is the secret: Christ lives in you. This gives you assurance of sharing his glory.

28 So we tell others about Christ, warning everyone and teaching everyone with all the wisdom God has given us. We want to present them to God, perfect in their relationship to Christ. 29 That’s why I work and struggle so hard, depending on Christ’s mighty power that works within me.

2:1 I want you to know how much I have agonized for you and for the church at Laodicea, and for many other believers who have never met me personally. 2 I want them to be encouraged and knit together by strong ties of love. I want them to have complete confidence that they understand God’s mysterious plan, which is Christ himself. 3 In him lie hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.

4 I am telling you this so no one will deceive you with well-crafted arguments. 5 For though I am far away from you, my heart is with you. And I rejoice that you are living as you should and that your faith in Christ is strong.

Does “Christ lives in you” shape your worldview?

Colossians 2:4 (AMP)

4 I say this so that no one will deceive you with persuasive [but thoroughly deceptive] arguments.

HOW TO DEVELOP A BIBLICAL WORLDVIEW:

1. Confident hope.

Psalms 121:1-3 (NLT)

2. Unselfish love.

3. Wise discernment.

– What biblical principles apply?

– Will my future self thank me?

– Is it wise?

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: Develop a Biblical worldview through the lens of “Christ lives in me.”

Consider:

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

▶ Read Colossians 1:24-2:5. How would you define the secret?

▶ Read Colossians 2:4 (AMP). What are humans looking for? How could people be persuaded that God is the secret they are longing for?

▶ Read Psalms 121:1-3. How does hope look like help when God is there?

Activate:

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

Read Colossians 2:3. Think of a decision or situation where you need discernment. Which of the questions offered would be helpful to you at this time?

– What biblical principles apply?

– Will my future self thank me?

– Is it wise?

Prayer:

Thank God for the highs and lift up the lows.

Ask God to help us all see those who need to be encouraged in their Kingdom walk like Pastor Matt was welcomed into the tennis club.