Sermon & Small Group Resources
This is the third sermon in our series on the Colossians. This sermon is “Gospel Ministry”. Preacher: The Rev’d Michael Calder. Bible Reading: Colossians 1:24-2:5
DOWNLOAD the Small Group Questions, Going Deeper, and Sermon Transcript (PDF).
Next Steps this Week
BIBLE READING: Colossians 1:24-2:5
Now I rejoice in what I am suffering for you, and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christ’s afflictions, for the sake of his body, which is the church. I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullness— the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations, but is now disclosed to the Lord’s people. To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory.
He is the one we proclaim, admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom, so that we may present everyone fully mature in Christ. To this end I strenuously contend with all the energy Christ so powerfully works in me.
I want you to know how hard I am contending for you and for those at Laodicea, and for all who have not met me personally. My goal is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love, so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding, in order that they may know the mystery of God, namely, Christ, in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. I tell you this so that no one may deceive you by fine-sounding arguments. For though I am absent from you in body, I am present with you in spirit and delight to see how disciplined you are and how firm your faith in Christ is.
SMALL GROUP QUESTIONS
Download in PDF format.
CONNECT: What is one way this week that you can grow in your recognition and enjoy the reality of Jesusʼ greatness?
WARM-UP
What are the ʻgood news storiesʼ that we can sometimes see in this world? How do these compare to the Gospel?
Read Colossians 1:24-29
Is there anything lacking in Jesusʼ work on the cross for our salvation? Why or why not?
What does Paul mean when he refers to his own suffering in V24?
In what ways have you personally experienced suffering or hardship for proclaiming Jesus? Who is with us even amongst these trials? How is this good news?
In what way is Paul presenting the word? What is the mystery that it contains?
How is Christ ʻin usʼ? Where in your week do you need this reminder that God is with and in you? How could you remind yourself of this?
What does it mean for us to be mature in Christ? What does Paul do to encourage the Colossians in maturity? How can we grow in our maturity in Christ?
Read Colossians 2:1-5
Who is at the centre of Paulʼs ministry? Who should be at the centre of our lives and how we live on our frontlines? How could make him the centre of all we do?
In what ways do you find it difficult to live for Jesus on your frontlines?
Are there opportunities to proclaim Jesus on your frontlines? How could you take them up in the knowledge that God is with you?
What were some of the ʻfine-soundingʼ arguments of the first century? What are some of the arguments of today that could distract us from Jesus?
APPLY: What next steps could you take to go deeper in your maturity in Jesus? Who could you ask to keep you accountable to this?
PRAYER
Lord God, how we thank you for the amazing privilege of being called to you and to be able to join in your mission to bring all things under Christ. Help us to live faithfully on our frontlines; give us words with which to proclaim your good news; and give us your strength. We pray for the glory of your name, Amen.
GOING DEEPER
On Your Frontline This Week: This is the perfect window of invitation for Alpha - starting May 9. Who are you going to invite this week?
Listen, Watch, and Read:
Listen: “Buried and Made Alive with Him” by Peter Adam: https://www.st-helens.org.uk/resources/talk/53330/audio/
Listen: The Suffering Servant and the hope of glory” by Simon Gillham: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ykjBLWYL9Pw
Listen: “A global spirituality on offer to all” by William Taylor: https://www.st-helens.org.uk/resources/talk/56891/
Listen: “Presenting Everyone Mature in Christ” by Alistair Begg: https://www.truthforlife.org/resources/sermon/welcome-and-main-session/
Read: “Suffering, Perseverance and Godʼs Infallible Plan” by Richard Chin
SERIES Resources:
Grow as Families
Each week St Bart’s Kids and CHARGE Youth provides resources for you to use at home. Join the livestream and then spend 30 minutes to work through these together.
Series Resource: “5 Things to Pray for Your Kids” by Melissa Kruger. This resource aims to help guide parents (along with grandparents, carers, and godparents) in praying meaningfully for their child, with biblical grounding.
Families: Read, Chat, Do, and Pray
High School: CHARGE Discussion Questions
Kids’ Talk: Watch the Kids’ Talk
eBook:
