Pulpit Curriculum

September 17^th – September 23^rd, 2023

Sermon Summary

We are called to be more than just talk and singing. As children of God, we should be known for our faith. In this life we will have difficulties, but our trust should be in God. Our faith is a commitment to our trust in Christ. Since love plays a major role in our identity, those around us should experience it. The preacher added that fruit is not for the bearer but for others to enjoy, essentially for the benefit of others. Paul’s prayer is for the believers at Colossae to recognize the value of the knowledge of God’s will as the foundation of character and conduct.

Verse of the Week

Colossians 1: 9 – 10
⁹ “And so, from the day we heard, we have not ceased to pray for you, asking that you may be filled with the knowledge of his will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding, ¹⁰so as to walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to him: bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God;”

Going Deeper

Review Colossians 1: 9 – 14

1) Present a biblical argument to support the statement “the Word of God is the Will of God.”

2) Knowledge of God’s will is the foundation of all Christian character and conduct. Identify two biblical characters who demonstrated godly character after understanding the will of God through personal experiences.

3) Paul challenged the Colossians to “walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to him” (Colossians 1: 10). How can believers carry out this instruction in this perversed and evil world?

4) “The Christian identity is the only identity for which identity is received and not achieved.” Discuss the benefits of Christian identity.

5) Provide biblical support to help believers fulfil God’s desire.

6) Why should a Christian invest in his/her spiritual growth? Discuss some strategies one can take to influence growth.

Assess Your Life

1) As Christians, we have an obligation to be intentional in our spiritual growth. Rate yourself.

a) I never think of spiritual growth as something to aspire to.

b) Spiritual growth sounds good in theory but where do I start?

c) I understand that spiritual growth should be on my radar.

d) I am working to see how I can improve on my growth by meditating on the word and learning Scripture.

e) I am intentional about improving my spiritual growth and I use various methods to make this happen.

2) What are some of the hindrances to improving your spiritual growth?

Application

1) What commitments can you make to stimulating your spiritual growth?

a)

b)

Reveal Answer

c)

Reveal Answer

2) Of the list above, which one(s) will you be intentional about working on this week?

I will ask

to hold me accountable to this.

Sermon Main Points

As Christians, based on our identity we should be primarily focused on fulfilling God’s desire. This can be done by:

1) Seeking Spiritual Growth
In Christ, God always make himself known and therefore Christians must place themselves in that spiritual environment with the hope and expectation that God will reveal his will

2) Embracing the benefits of your Christian identity
The present reality of the kingdom of God should prompt us to examine our lives and ask what areas we have not yet surrendered to God’s rule.

Sermon Reflection

• The Word of God is the Will of God.

• Spiritual growth comes through intentional actions.

• God’s will is the refining process in which you are transformed into the image of Jesus Christ.
• The emancipation brought about through redemption and forgiveness of sin, is enjoyed only because of the tremendous cost Christ paid on the cross.

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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: 2

Day 2 - Ephesians 5: 15 – 17

Day 3 - Hebrews 6: 1

Day 4 - 2 Peter 1: 5 – 8

Day 5 - John 8:31 – 32

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_{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}