Pulpit Curriculum
November 19th – November 25th, 2023
Sermon Summary
This sermon affirms that nothing needs to be added to the work of Christ. It presents a straightforward exhortation to be prayerful with watchfulness and thankfulness as it points us towards Christlikeness. Because Christ is more than enough, we can and should seek to be like him in every way. It calls for followers of Christ to pray earnestly, especially for ministers of the Gospel and to walk in wisdom as we declare the mystery of Christ to others. The importance of speaking with grace is highlighted as the preacher stimulated us to allow Christ to live in us so that by God’s grace we experience a transformation that affects every aspect of our lives.
Verse of the Week
Colossians 4: 6
6 Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person
Going Deeper
Review Colossians 4:2-6
1) The sermon mentions that every Christian should pray regularly, spontaneously and with alertness. Find 3 other instances in scripture that direct us on how to pray?
2a Explain using scripture reference (i) why prayer is good for disciples of Christ.
2b Why do you think Paul stressed on the need for thankfulness in prayer to the church at Colossae?
3) Explain your understanding of what wisdom looks like using scripture.
4) Looking at the six (6) steps to walking in wisdom as mentioned by the Preacher (see sermon main points section), show scriptural references where these acts were exemplified and name the characters where possible.
5) Speaking with grace is ‘easier said than done’. Compare and contrast two (2) biblical examples where this action was followed or not followed and what were the outcomes.
Assess Your Life
1) How would you rate your attitudes and your role in your relationships, in demonstrating wisdom and speaking with grace?
2) Based on your response to the above, what are you going to do differently? And what will you adjust?
Application
1) During the week, record and review how you spend your time daily. Assess how much time is spent in prayer/bible study, when compared to other activities, such as time spent on devices.
2) How will you improve your prayer life this week?
I will ask
Sermon Main Points
To experience growth in our spiritual lives, believers must continue in Christ alone. To do so, we must:
Continue in watchful Prayer
Walk in Wisdom
Speak with Grace
Here are six steps to walking in wisdom:
- Have a strong determination to walk wisely. (Proverbs 2:1-7)
- Pray for wisdom. (James 1:5-8)
- Meditate on God’s Word. (Psalms 119:97-105)
- Actively obey and apply God’s Word.
- Be sensitive to the prompting of the Holy Spirit.
- Associate with, and learn from, wise people.
Sermon Reflection
What stood out for me in this sermon?
- Christian prayer is heard and answered not on the basis of the petitioner’s merit but solely on the basis of God’s grace.
- Wisdom is defined as the capacity to understand and function accordingly
- Our speech should be a winning quality or attractiveness that invites a favorable reaction.
What is something I can do to remember this?
5 Day Study Plan
Use the Inductive Bible Study method to study these scriptures this week and remember to share with someone else.
Follow these steps
1. Observe the text.
(What do you see in the text? Look for answers to questions like: Who? What? When? Where? Why? How?)
2. Interpret the text.
(What did God and the human author of the text want the original people reading this text to understand/do? Why?)
3. Apply the text.
(How do I need to change in my thinking, my affections, my attitudes, and/or my actions?)
Day 1 - Romans 12:11-12
Day 2 - James 4:3
Day 3 - 1 Corinthians 10:23-24
Day 4 - Matthew 12:36-37
Day 5 - Matthew 5:13
For best results, this content should be read and prepared privately and then discussed in your small group or with family / friends. We were not created to do life alone - get connected with a small group and grow together.