Text: Colossians 1:1–14

Big Idea: Paul opens his letter to Colossians with a prayer and an introduction to the power of Christ. To see Christ’s power in our lives, we must begin with a proper understanding of God’s Word, coupled with prayers for believers.

Small Group Questions

Gather:

Love them, or hate them, period dramas are big business for TV companies. What are some of your favourites and why? If you hate them, why? Do you find it easy to relate the issues raised in the historic crafted realities and intricacies of our everyday 21st Century lives?

Grow: Read Colossians 1:1-14

1. What is one thing that stood out to you from this week’s message?

· Are there sections of the teaching on Sunday that you struggled with?

· Do you need to explore anything that was said further?

1. Think of a time that you have prayed for, and with, a friend. What spiritual strengths would you refer to, or ask for, as you pray?

2. If you were to ask for prayer. What spiritual strengths do you think others would refer to, or ask for, in their prayers for you?

· Do you find it easy to ask for prayer? Why?

· Do you think it is important? Why?

1. Share how it felt for you to be ‘translated’ from the kingdom of darkness to the kingdom of light. Were you consciously aware of this, or was it more of a subtle and continuous work of God in your life?

· This might be a good opportunity to either split into smaller groups, or ask some of the group to share their testimony with the group (it may be a good opportunity to practice the ‘S’ of BLESS!).

1. Why can understanding the Epistles be challenging in today’s world?

Spend some time in silence, have someone invite God (by His Holy Spirit) to be with you afresh and breathe life and passion into you all as you worship. Spend some time worshipping using this https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ENtL_li4GbE or another version of ‘In Christ Alone’ (perhaps get a group member to play it live and lead you all).

Ask God to continue to speak to you as you explore together Paul’s letter to the Colossians. Ask God to highlight areas in your own life in which you are tempted to compromise. Ask God for the strength to live for Christ alone.

Spend some time sharing prayer requests with one another and praying for each other.

Go:

Grab a(nother) cup of tea and talk again about the BLESS series we did before Easter. Can you remember what the letters stand for? Have you tried to use it? If not do you have other ideas that may work better in sharing your faith with those around you?