GROUP GUIDE
Leading a group through these questions? Here’s a simple guide for 1.5-2 hour GROUP meeting.
Welcome and Opening Prayer. (5 minutes)
Read the passage aloud. (5 minutes)
Guide the group through the questions. (30-60 minutes)
Take time to share prayer requests and pray for each other. (15-30 minutes)
TEACHING RECAP
Summary: Often in our lives, we say we want change, but don’t make any changes. Where might this be true for you? Where are the areas where you’ve decided to change but haven’t changed? In today’s passage, Paul urges followers of Jesus to simply and aggressively live in a way that lines up with who we already are.
Main Points:
Keep your heart focused on your new identity as a follower of Jesus.
Do whatever it takes to turn away from unhealthy behaviour.
Cooperate with God as he works to gradually make you more like Jesus.
On-Ramps:
Consider how you will keep your heart set on Jesus.
Grow in your knowledge of God through the Bible, worship and Christian community.
Confess your sin and cooperate with God as he changes your life bit by bit.
Discussion
What stands out to you from this passage? How does this passage most challenge or encourage you?
Read Ephesians 4:17-32. It is widely accepted that Paul wrote the letter to the Colossians along with the letter to the Ephesians. In this passage, what does Paul emphasize? What is the same? What is different?
Talking about sin is a difficult discussion to have in our culture, especially sexual sin. Where do you see the effects of sin in our world? How do you think the church can be a help to those struggling with sin?
Jeremy talked about confession being the button that we can press to stop being bound by sin. Confession is like a muscle, it needs to be exercised. How are you doing with this? Is there someone in your life that you trust to confess your sins to?
How do you want to respond to this passage in your daily life?
PRAYER
How can we pray for you as a group?
Next week: Colossians 3:12-4:1
