Sermon Summary

THE STORIES IN THE STORY - COLOSSIANS

In his recent sermon, David continued the series "The Stories in the Story," weaving the overarching narrative of God’s creation, humanity’s fall, and His redemptive plan as detailed in Scripture. Focusing on Colossians chapter 3, he emphasized the importance of living a faith that transcends mere words and is characterized by actionable steps in our daily lives as members of God's kingdom. David discussed how the Apostle Paul stresses our identity in Christ, urging believers to live out their faith not through sheer willpower but through the empowerment of the Holy Spirit. He reinforced the notion that living the kingdom life is a collaborative effort, requiring reliance on divine support and active participation in a community of believers.In the practical portion of his message, David urged congregants to reflect on their lives, encouraging them to "put to death" their old selves and embrace the new life in Christ by casting off negative behaviors and adopting virtues like kindness, humility, and love. He reminded his audience that living in alignment with God's values affects every aspect of their lives, even in the face of societal pressures. The importance of fostering a rich inner life through the Word of God and worship was a key takeaway, as was the call to engage in community, support one another in faith, and practice forgiveness. Ultimately, David's message was one of hope and encouragement to live out one’s faith consistently, with the understanding that believers are never alone in their journey.

Sermon Questions

Week 45: 11/10/2024

What does it mean to 'put to death' what is earthly in us, as mentioned in Colossians 3:5?

Can you identify a specific behavior or habit in your life that you feel needs to be 'put to death'? How might you go about doing that?

Why is it important for Christians to focus on the things above rather than the things of the Earth?

Reflect on your daily life: how often do you think about 'heavenly things' compared to your everyday concerns? What changes can you make to prioritize the things above?

What role does the Holy Spirit play in helping us live out our faith as described in the sermon?

How can you be more open to the leading of the Holy Spirit in your daily decisions? Are there specific areas of your life where you want to seek more guidance?

In Colossians 3:12-14, Paul lists virtues like compassion, kindness, and humility. Why are these qualities essential for Christians to embody?

Which of these virtues do you find easiest to express, and which do you struggle with? How might you work on developing the virtues you find challenging?

How does the reminder that 'whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus' impact how we conduct ourselves?

Think of a recent situation where you didn't act in a way that reflected your faith. What did you learn from it, and how can you approach similar situations in the future?