Beware of the Drift – Week 9

Colossians 3:22-25 (NLT)

22 Slaves, obey your earthly masters in everything you do. Try to please them all the time, not just when they are watching you. Serve them sincerely because of your reverent fear of the Lord. 23 Work willingly at whatever you do, as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people. 24 Remember that the Lord will give you an inheritance as your reward, and that the Master you are serving is Christ. 25 But if you do what is wrong, you will be paid back for the wrong you have done. For God has no favorites.

Colossians 4:1-6 (NLT)

4 Masters, be just and fair to your slaves. Remember that you also have a Master—in heaven.

2 Devote yourselves to prayer with an alert mind and a thankful heart. 3 Pray for us, too, that God will give us many opportunities to speak about his mysterious plan concerning Christ. That is why I am here in chains. 4 Pray that I will proclaim this message as clearly as I should.

5 Live wisely among those who are not believers, and make the most of every opportunity. 6 Let your conversation be gracious and attractive so that you will have the right response for everyone.

Be a marketplace leader with purpose.

1. Work willingly.

2. Pray with an alert mind.

Colossians 4:2 (AMP)

2 Be persistent and devoted to prayer, being alert and focused in your prayer life with an attitude of thanksgiving.

• Be persistent.
• Be focused.
• Be thankful.

Colossians 4:5-6 (AMP)

5 Conduct yourself with wisdom in your interactions with outsiders (non-believers), make the most of each opportunity [treating it as something precious]. 6 Let your speech at all times be gracious and pleasant, seasoned with salt, so that you will know how to answer each one [who questions you].

3. Speak with boldness and kindness.

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: Be a marketplace leader who works willingly, prays with an alert mind, and speaks with boldness and kindness.

Consider:

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

▶ Read Colossians 3:22-25. What is your enthusiasm level for your work? How could you move it one notch higher?

▶ Read Colossians 4:2. What does it mean to pray with an alert mind?

▶ “A vibrant prayer life of speaking and listening to God will keep your heart soft, your skin tough, and your mind clear.” Which do you personally need most?

▶ Read Colossians 4:5. Share a story of how you have seen this done well.

Activate:

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

Read Colossians 3:22-4:5. We were challenged in a few areas in this message.

1. Work willingly.

2. Pray with an alert mind. Be persistent. Be focused. Be thankful.

3. Speak with boldness and kindness.

What area are you compelled to take a step in and what will that step be?

Prayer:

Thank God for the highs and lift up the lows.

Consider a popcorn prayer of thankfulness and requests as guided by the passage.