LifeGroup Notes
BIG IDEA
Jesus wanted His disciples to be aware of the leaven of the Pharisees and the Sadducees. They all represented different belief systems. Jesus wasn’t warning His disciples of skepticism, but rather of teachings that lead others not to believe specifically in Jesus, His Gospel, His position, and His work. There are many “spiritual” people today who believe in all sorts of things; they just don’t believe in Jesus. Because of this, they partake in the leaven Jesus warned about: The leaven of unbelief.
As we learned last week, the church in Colosse was facing a threat of this leaven. Though they had not yet given in, Paul called them to be on guard and to remember the fullness of the truth into which they were called.
Passages we’ll review:
Matthew 16:5-12; John 6:41-59; Colossians 2:1-15; Romans 8:1-4; Ephesians 2:10
OPEN
What jumped out at you from the message this week? What led you to really think or even better, to change your actions?
Think about your values. How do you determine what is important and what principles you will live by?
[WATCH THE VIDEO]
Make sure everyone can see the screen and the audio is at a comfortable level.
What jumped out at you from the video in this session? What are some of the key points that affected you more than others?
READ
Read Matthew 16:5-12
As we look back to Sunday’s passage, we see that once again, Jesus’ message was interpreted in the literal sense instead of in the spiritual sense.
What “Yeast” was Jesus warning His disciples about?
Read John 6:41-46
Why were the Religious Leaders grumbling?
Just as the disciples had missed the point with the bread in Matthew 16, the religious leaders also missed out on who Jesus really was. They struggled with the idea that He was more than just a carpenter from Nazareth, but was actually the Son of God.
What truth did Jesus reveal to them in verse 44?
Read John 6:47-51
Last week, we learned that Jesus is the true Bread of Life. In this context, to eat of Him means to believe in Him.
What did Jesus promise to those who eat of the Living Bread?
Read John 6:52-59
Once again, the religious leaders looked to the literal meaning of what Jesus was saying. If we look back to John 1:14, we see the “flesh” Jesus was referring to. What was the flesh?
Read Colossians 2:1-15
Why did Paul write to the church in Colosse?
Paul knew that Satan is our enemy. He seeks to deceive us and to lead us down the wrong path. He often seeks to deceive by diluting the truth with lies and other “spiritual” beliefs that are not in line with the Bible, or by convincing us that Christ alone is not enough. This is similar to the teachings of the Pharisees and Sadducees in John 6.
How can we keep from being deceived (verses 6-7)?
What is our weapon against the philosophy and the emptiness that comes from human traditions?
As we encounter false teachings, it is important that our roots in Christ are deep. Otherwise, we will be like tumbleweed, blown about by the winds of deception. Deep roots provide adequate, (Living) water and proper, eternal nourishment (Bread of Life).
Finally, Paul reminds the Colossians, and us, of the hope that is found in Christ as a result of His death and resurrection.
What can we gain when we put our hope in Christ Jesus?
Read Ephesians 2:8-10
What was the gift that Jesus provided?
As Jesus told the crowd, our salvation is not based on anything we have done. We can never earn it. Rather, it is a gift from God achieved solely by the work of Christ on the cross! He is our Redeemer, but He is also our Creator.
Read Colossians 1:15-23
In this passage, we see a situation much like the one the disciples faced.
As the storm raged and the ship was violently tossed about, what did the people do?
What happened as a result of their faith in Him?
According to verses 31-32, what should be our response to God’s provisions in the midst of difficult times?
Read Romans 8:1-4
What do we gain by being a follower of Christ Jesus?
We are made righteous because of the perfect sacrifice of Jesus Christ. He delivered us from the penalty of sin by doing what we could not - defeating sin and death. Since He paid the penalty, we are now free to live in Him!
Read Ephesians 2:10
How should we live in response to the freedom we have in Jesus Christ?
LET’S PRAY
As we go through this journey, we will encounter many different philosophies, teachings, and beliefs. In our lives, we will never stand still. We will either move forward or we will slip backward. It is important that we know the truth of God’s Word and live according to it. It is by His grace we are saved and are given eternal life with Him. Our response should be that we live a life that brings glory and honor to Him and is based on His Word alone.
As you pray together as a life group, consider these things:
1. Ask yourself: “What am I lending my ears to?” Pray that you will be open to the Holy Spirit and to His Word for the Truth. Remember to seek spiritual leadership from those God has placed in your life.
2. Remember the victory we have in Christ! Because of His sacrifice, we can live without fear. Are you living fully in Him, in a manner that glorifies Him?