Sermon & Small Group Resources
This is the second sermon in our series on the Colossians. This sermon is “The Greatness of Jesus”. Preacher: The Rev’d Adam Lowe. Bible Reading: Colossians 1:15-23
DOWNLOAD the Small Group Questions, Going Deeper, and Sermon Transcript (PDF).
Next Steps this Week
BIBLE READING: Colossians 1:15-23
The Son is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. For in him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things have been created through him and for him. He is before all things, and in him all things hold together. And he is the head of the body, the church; he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead, so that in everything he might have the supremacy. For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him, and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether things on earth or things in heaven, by making peace through his blood, shed on the cross.
Once you were alienated from God and were enemies in your minds because of your evil behavior. But now he has reconciled you by Christ’s physical body through death to present you holy in his sight, without blemish and free from accusation— if you continue in your faith, established and firm, and do not move from the hope held out in the gospel. This is the gospel that you heard and that has been proclaimed to every creature under heaven, and of which I, Paul, have become a servant.
SMALL GROUP QUESTIONS
Download in PDF format.
CONNECT: What are the challenges in your walk with God presently? How could you take another next step?
WARM-UP
Have you ever had an encounter with someone famous or “important”?
What are the ways in which the world diminishes Jesusʼ greatness? What are the ways in which you are sometimes tempted to diminish your view of Jesusʼ greatness?
Read Colossians 1:15-20
What does Paul mean by the “Son” being the image of the invisible God”?
If someone wanted to know who God is or what God is like, why do they only need to look to Jesus?
What are the ways in which Jesus is supreme in creation? Are there any domains le out?
In what way do the priorities of our church reflect that Jesus is in charge?
What does Paul mean by Jesus being the beginning and firstborn from among the dead? How does this fill you with expectant hope?
What is it about Jesusʼ greatness that fills you with wonder and awe? How is this reflected in your life?
Read Colossians 1:21-23
What is the way in which Paul claims that Jesus is supreme in salvation? What is meant by Jesus having reconciled the Colossians through the blood of the cross?
Why is it necessary to have peace with God? How can we grasp and enjoy peace with God today?
How has Jesusʼ death and resurrection transformed our past, present, and future?
In what way has Jesusʼ death and resurrection reconciled the entire cosmos to himself?
How were the Colossians being challenged to ʻaddʼ to the Good News? How are we sometimes challenged or tempted to ʻaddʼ to the Gospel?
How does Jesusʼ greatness provide you with security day-to-day? How can you practically keep growing in your recognition of how great Jesus is?
If Jesusʼ is comprehensively supreme in creation and salvation, what should our response be to him?
APPLY: What is one way this week that you can grow in your recognition and enjoy the reality of Jesusʼ greatness?
PRAYER
Lord, thank you for the supremacy of Jesus in creation and salvation. Please give us a clearer view of Jesusʼ greatness that our faith will grow in accordance with who he is and what he has done. In Jesusʼ 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:
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:
