Pulpit Curriculum
October 8th – October 14th, 2023
Sermon Summary
When we understand and accept the work of Christ on our behalf, we are called to move beyond this conversion experience to a lifelong walk with Christ. As Paul tells the Colossian Christians in this week’s study passage, this lifelong experience of walking with Christ will be possible as we become rooted, established and built up in Christ. This is how the believer can progress from spiritual infancy to spiritual maturity. Christ must also continue to be our focal point as we walk because there will be many things vying for our attention and seeking to take our gaze off Him. These include human traditions and ideologies. Regardless of what comes against us, we can remain thankful and make bold progress filled with the knowledge of the finished work of Christ on our behalf.
Verse of the Week
Colossians 2: 6 - 7
6Therefore, as you received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in him, 7rooted and built up in him and established in the faith, just as you were taught, abounding in thanksgiving.
Going Deeper
Review Colossians 2: 6 – 15
1a) Respond based on Colossians 2:6-7, to a non-Christian friend who has been considering becoming a Christian for some time but thinks it is just too hard to live the Christian life.
b. Describe practical steps a believer can pursue to become more firmly ‘rooted’ and ‘established’ in the Christian faith.
2a) Explain using scripture reference (i) why the thankfulness of believers is important to God and (ii) why being thankful, even in difficult times, is beneficial to the believer.
b) List the top ten (10) things you are thankful for
3a) Describe some of the philosophies and empty deceits of our time referred to in verse 8, that do not align with the truth of God’s Word but threaten to capture the minds of believers.
b. How can we ensure we are not taken captive by such ideologies?
4) Explain, with reference to scripture, the significance of the physical circumcision that Paul talks about in verse 11. Compare and contrast this with the spiritual circumcision mentioitned in the same verse.
5) You have been asked to explain to a group of young believers how your sins have been forgiven and you have been reconciled to God through Christ. Write a short paragraph to explain this based on verses 13-15.
6) Make a journal entry of what you understand by being identified with Christ?
Assess Your Life
1) How have your attitudes and relationships changed since you have been walking with Christ?
2) Based on your reflection in the preceding question, which attitudes and relationships do you still need to adjust?
Application
1) Identify three (3) idols in your life that compete for your attention and cause you to shift your focus away from Christ.
a)
b)
c)
2) How will you work intentionally this week to deal with these idols?
Sermon Main Points
To experience growth in our spiritual lives, believers must continue in Christ alone. To do so, we must:
1) Obey the call to walk
We are called to walk in Christ and not merely hang out at the cross.
2) Watch our step
Watch your step because you will be tempted to dilute or depart from the truth of Christ.
3) Never lose sight of the work of Christ.
The redemptive work of Christ has provided resources that help the believer to continue living in Christ.
Sermon Reflection
What stood out for me in this sermon?
What issomething I can do to remember this?
Quotes
We must be determined not to be pulled away by false teachings that are not grounded in God’s Word.
Since we know that we have been brought from death to life by the power of Jesus, we must live in a way that reflects his authority in our lives.
Since Jesus brought us from death to life and triumphed over every authority, we can now live rooted in Christ.
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 - Isaiah 26:3-4
Day 2 - Hebrews 12:1-2
Day 3 - Psalm 91: 14 - 15
Day 4 - Ephesians 4: 17 - 23
Day 5 - Galatians 5: 16 - 18
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.
Harvest Bible Chapel Barbados - 2023