Growth Group Discussion Guide for Week of Feb 24

Digging In the Word 

Paul’s concern for the disciples at Colossae was that they would continue in the faith. How does the Apostle encourage them – and us – to preserve as Christians? Let’s take a closer look at what we read here and what we learned on Sunday.

• Let’s read Colossians 1:15-23. 

1. What point is Paul trying to make to the Colossians in 1:13-14 and 15-20? What does this have to do with “the “hope of the Gospel” (compare verse 23 and 27!)? 
2. In verse 23, Paul urges the Colossians to persevere in their faith and not allow themselves to be constantly shifting from the hope of the Gospel. How do you think believers today are tempted to “shift away from the hope of the Gospel”? What are we taught here to do instead? What does that look like?
3. Pastor Josh pointed out the difference between the “outputs” of a Christian lifestyle and the “outcomes” of Gospel transformation. What do you think the difference is between outputs and outcomes?
4. We should expect to see certain outcomes over time as a result of true Gospel transformation in the life of the truly converted. What Gospel transformation outcomes can we find in Colossians [see 1:23; 2:6-7, 19; 3:5-4:6]? 
5. What do we learn in Colossians that can help us pursue Gospel transformation together? 

Applying the Truth 

• Pastor Josh shared this quote from the late Dr. Howard Hendricks: “Many of us want a word from God, but we don’t want the Word of God. We know enough to own a Bible but not enough for the Bible to own us. We pay the Bible lip service, but we fail to give it ‘life service’.” Do you agree with Dr. Hendricks? How is this problem manifested in your life? In your marriage? In your friendships? In your family? 
• How do you you think God is challenging you to persevere in your faith toward greater Gospel transformation? 
• 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. 

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.