Sermon & Small Group Resources
This is the seventh sermon in our series on the Colossians. This sermon is “At Church, Home, and Work”. Preacher: The Rev’d Adam Lowe. Bible Reading: Colossians 3:12-4:11
DOWNLOAD the Small Group Questions, Going Deeper, and Sermon Transcript (PDF).
Next Steps this Week
BIBLE READING: Colossians 3:12-4:1
Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.
Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts. And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.
Wives, submit yourselves to your husbands, as is fitting in the Lord.
Husbands, love your wives and do not be harsh with them.
Children, obey your parents in everything, for this pleases the Lord.
Fathers, do not embitter your children, or they will become discouraged.
Slaves, obey your earthly masters in everything; and do it, not only when their eye is on you and to curry their favor, but with sincerity of heart and reverence for the Lord. Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving. Anyone who does wrong will be repaid for their wrongs, and there is no favoritism.
Masters, provide your slaves with what is right and fair, because you know that you also have a Master in heaven.
SMALL GROUP QUESTIONS
Download in PDF format.
CONNECT: What things of the old life do you need to take off? What things can you put on to help you?
WARM-UP
When have you been the recipient of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, or patience? (Particularly think about an example from either church, home, or work – as relevant).
Read Colossians 3:12-17
What does it mean to be chosen and dearly loved by God? What does it mean to you to know that we too are chosen and dearly loved?
What does Paul say that the Colossians should ʻclotheʼ themselves with? Can you define them?
What most challenges you on this list? Is there anything that is currently particularly hard?
How can prayer and practice help cultivate these virtues? How does the power of the Spirit enable us?
When we (or others) get the virtues wrong, what should we be quick to do? Why is that the case?
Do you find it hard to forgive? Is there anything troubling you right now? How could the group pray?
How do you see verses 15 and 16 reflected in the life of our church? How do we nurture this?
Read Colossians 3:18-25
As Paul applies the metaphor of getting dressed, what are the frontlines that he most has in mind?
Who was part of a typical household in the Greco-Roman world? Do you think this would have made it easier or harder to be an authentic Christian witness?
Does anything stand out for you in these verses? Are you surprised by anything Paul does or doesnʼt say?
How is Paulʼs expectations for wives and husbands consistent with culture and also counter-cultural?
How radical was the concept of some form of mutuality in marriage, parenting, and slavery?
Why do you think Paul doesnʼt call for immediately overturning slavery? Does this mean he supports it?
What are the opportunities you have to demonstrate the virtues in your household and/or workplace?
What does Paul mean by ʻwhatever you doʼ? Whatʼs le out? Is there anything in your life that you currently find it hard to know how best to orientate it for the Lord?
APPLY: How can you more intentionally pray and practice (in the power of the Holy Spirit) compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience?
PRAYER
Gracious Father, thank you that our identity and future is hidden in Christ. Please help us to take off the things not of you and instead put on all that you desire for us. In Jesusʼ Name, Amen.
GOING DEEPER
On Your Frontline This Week: What aspect of your frontline is bringing you joy? Give thanks to God for it.
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