Unobvious Idols: Wk 2

Proverbs 29:25 (NLT)

25 Fearing people is a dangerous trap, but trusting the Lord means safety.

1. Anchor your identity in Christ.

Colossians 3:1-4 (NLT)

1 Since you have been raised to new life with Christ, set your sights on the realities of heaven, where Christ sits in the place of honor at God’s right hand. 2 Think about the things of heaven, not the things of earth. 3 For you died to this life, and your real life is hidden with Christ in God. 4 And when Christ, who is your life, is revealed to the whole world, you will share in all his glory.

2. Replace old patterns with new Christ-like practices.

Colossians 3:5-10 (NLT)

5 So put to death the sinful, earthly things lurking within you. Have nothing to do with sexual immorality, impurity, lust, and evil desires. Don’t be greedy, for a greedy person is an idolater, worshiping the things of this world. 6 Because of these sins, the anger of God is coming. 7 You used to do these things when your life was still part of this world. 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.

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.

– Avoid labels.

– Treat others with Christ-like dignity.

Colossians 3:12-17 (NLT)

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.

16 Let the message about Christ, in all its richness, fill your lives. Teach and counsel each other with all the wisdom he gives. Sing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs to God with thankful hearts. 17 And whatever you do or say, do it as a representative of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through him to God the Father.

3. Live for an audience of one.

SMALL 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: The approval of others becomes an idol when our identity hinges on others’ opinions instead of who God made us to be.

Consider:

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

▶ Reflect on a time when you made a decision primarily to gain someone else’s approval. How did that impact you emotionally or spiritually? How do you think you could have responded differently by focusing on God’s approval instead?

▶ Read Colossians 3:1-4. How do these verses encourage us to shift our focus? What practical steps can we take to anchor our identity in Christ instead of relying on the opinions of others?

▶ What does it mean to “live for an audience of one” and how can this perspective change the way we make decisions and live our daily lives? How can we remind ourselves daily that God’s approval is all we need?

Activate:

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

Read Colossians 3:5-17. Think about a habit or attitude in your life that stems from trying to please others. What are some practical steps you can take to replace old patterns with Christ-like practices?

Prayer:

Thank God for the highs and lift up the lows.

Pray that we would break free from the idol of approval and that we would grow in anchoring our identity in Christ.