*Sermon Discussion Questions

‌Use the following questions based on today’s sermon as a starting point for spiritual discussions with your family or a small group of Christian friends this week.

Fellowship—Relationship with a Purpose

• *Look through pictures on your phone. If someone were to look through with you, what would they think about your identity and focus in life? Share some of your favorite pictures with others as you discuss!

‌Growth—Thinking About Spiritual Matters

• Take 10 minutes to watch The Bible Project’s overview of Colossians.
*https://bibleproject.com/explore/video/colossians/*
• Paul never visited the church at Colosse. Why would he invest the time and energy to write to a group of strangers? Would you do the same, if you had the opportunity? Why or why not?
•** Read Colossians 1:3-8. What is Paul thankful for? How does the Colossians’ present compare to their past (see 1:21). How does their makeover demonstrate Christ’s transforming power*? **
• How has Christ changed you? List three specific examples*.
•* What adjectives or descriptive terms are used to talk about Paul, Timothy, Epaphras, and the recipients of the letter? **
•* What descriptive terms might Paul use if he was talking about you? Do you use that kind of description when talking about others in our church? Why or why not?*
• Colossians has one of the great portraits of Christ in Scripture. Read Colossians 1:15-20, then read Philippians 2:5-11, Revelation 1:12-18, and Isaiah 53:1-12. What key words/phrases stand out? What themes? If you had to summarize Jesus in one word, based on each passage, what would it be?
• How does that presentation of Christ, especially in Colossians, impact the way you view others who follow Him? Why is it important for us to view others based on their relationship with Christ?
•* Who in the church do you struggle to see through the lens of Christ? Ask God to help you change your view*.*
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‌Prayer – Taking Your Thoughts to God

• Choose three people who sat near you during service. Pray for them to continue to be changed by God. Ask Him to help you view their identity primarily through Christ.