Questions for Group Discussions:
Text: Colossians 1:29-2:10
Theme: Fight, Walk, Think
Open the Scriptures
1. Paul writes about “toiling” and “struggling” with Christ’s energy in Colossians 1:29. How does this demonstrate the concept of relying on God’s strength rather than our own?
2. In Colossians 2:2, Paul desires the hearts of the believers to be “encouraged” and “knit together in love.” What does that look like in practice today in our world?
3. Paul’s warning about being deluded with “plausible arguments” in Colossians 2:4 and taken “captive by philosophy” in Colossians 2:8, emphasizes discernment. How do we approach modern ways of thinking in a distinctly Christian manner?
4. How do Colossians 2:9-10 emphasize the completeness found in Christ, and what implications does this have for understanding His authority and our identity in Him?
Open your Lives
1. Reflect on a time when you relied on your own strength instead of relying on Christ’s energy. How did that experience shape your understanding of Paul’s message in Colossians about toiling with Christ’s power?
2. Take time to encourage one another in your group. Go around the circle and have a person share an encouraging word to another- what they see/admire/affirm in another guy in the group.
3. Identify a “plausible argument” in today’s culture that Christians might find appealing. How can we better arm ourselves with truth and discernment to not be led astray by these arguments? (see list below)
4. Consider how you might be unconsciously adhering to philosophies or traditions that do not align with Christ. How can you begin to realign your life with the fullness and authority of Christ as described in Colossians?We discussed modern plausible arguments and philosophies that dominate our thinking today. Which ones do you and those in your group resonate with the most- which do you find most common for people and how do we respond in a Christ-like way to them? See the list below
Modern Philosophy and a Belief Statement
Expressive Individualism- Be true to yourself
Moral Relativism – What’s true for you isn’t necessarily true for me.
Materialism & Consumerism – You are what you have.
Therapeutic Deism – God just wants me to be happy.
Political Tribalism – My party is always right.
Government as Savior – The right policies will fix everything.
Spirituality – I believe in God, but I follow my own path. Spiritual but not religious.
Health as an Identity – My body, my worth.
Longevity Obsession – If I eat right, exercise, and hack my biology, I can control my health and live forever.
Hustle Culture – You are what you achieve.
Power & Activism– Winning is more important than integrity.