Growth Group Discussion Guide for the Week of Feb 17

OPENING UP

• What do you think of when you hear the word “disciple” or “discipleship”?
• On Sunday, Pastor Josh provided the following definition of discipleship based on Luke 9:18-26: “A disciple is someone who confesses Christ as Savior, followers Christ as Lord, and loves Christ as greatest treasure.” How is this definition helpful? What do you think requires more explanation? 

Pastor Josh also presented us with the diagram here on the right. It pictures the 3-fold strategy for making disciples found in throughout the New Testament:

• How does this diagram help us to think about discipleship?

 DIGGING IN THE WORD

Let’s read Colossians 1:3-14.

1. How had Paul and Epaphras been intentional in their pursuit of others with the Gospel (see 1:5-8)?
2. What do we learn about Epaphras as a disciple-maker in 1:5-8 and 4:12-13?
3. The closing greetings in 4:7-18 provide a unique glimpse into the lives of the men and women of this community in Colossae. What can we learn from this? How should this encourage us?

APPLYING THE TRUTH

We learned on Sunday that “…for effective discipleship to take place, there must be disciples committed to intentionally reach out to one another for the purpose of spiritual maturity.”

• How do you see that happening here in the context of our Growth Group? In what ways could we be more intentional in our pursuit of one another for the purpose of spiritual maturity?
• How do you you think God is challenging you to pursue others intentionally for the purpose of spiritual maturity?
• How would you like to have others pray for you? Break into groups of men and women to share your answers and to pray for one another.