Colossians – Pray, Plead, Participate

October 19, 2025

Description:

In Colossians, the Apostle Paul makes it clear that Jesus isn’t just a part of God’s story—He’s the author. He is before all things, above all things, and first in everything. As we explore His supremacy, we’ll ask a challenging question: Is Jesus merely important to you, or is He truly first in your life?

Small Group Study Guide

Ice Breaker Questions

  1. Have you ever learned a new word or bought a new car—and then started seeing it everywhere? (This connects to the Frequency Illusion idea.)
  2. What’s one thing you’ve been praying about consistently lately?
  3. How would you describe your prayer life right now—in a word or phrase?

Read Together 

Read each passage aloud together, then discuss:

Main Passage:

Dig Deeper Scriptures:

Optional verses for those who want to explore more deeply:

  • Matthew 6:9–13 — The Lord’s Prayer (our model for praying, pleading, and participating).
  • 1 Peter 3:15 — Being prepared to give a reason for your hope.

Discussion Questions

1. Pray Devoutly

“Devote yourselves to prayer with an alert mind and a thankful heart.” (v. 2)

  • What does it mean to devote yourself to prayer rather than just say a prayer?
  • How can thanksgiving change the way you pray or the way you see your circumstances?
  • What does it mean to have an alert mind in prayer?
  • Have you ever experienced a “spiritual frequency illusion” — where the more you prayed, the more you noticed God at work around you?

Dig Deeper: 

Read James 4:2–3.
 What are some ways we might ask God with the wrong motives?
 How do we shift our focus from what we want to what God wants?

2. Plead Purposely

“Pray for us, too, that God will give us many opportunities… Pray that I will proclaim this message as clearly as I should.” (vv. 3–4)

  • What’s striking about Paul’s prayer request from prison?
  • Why do you think Paul focuses on clarity and opportunity rather than comfort and release?
  • How can we make our prayers more purposeful—focused on God’s Kingdom rather than our convenience?
  • Who could you begin praying for this week—someone who’s on mission for Jesus or leading in ministry?

Dig Deeper: 

Read Matthew 6:10.
 What does it mean to truly pray, “May Your Kingdom come, may Your will be done”?
 What might that look like in your home, workplace, or neighborhood?

3. Participate Preparedly

“Live wisely among those who are not believers, and make the most of every opportunity. Let your conversation be gracious and attractive…” (vv. 5–6)

  • What does it look like to live “wisely” in today’s culture?
  • Why is how we speak often just as important as what we say?
  • What does it mean for your faith to be integrated into everything you do—not just church activities?
  • How can your prayer life prepare you to participate more meaningfully in God’s work around you?

Dig Deeper:

Read 1 Peter 3:15.
 How can we be ready to share our hope in Christ without coming across as pushy or defensive?
 What helps you speak with both grace and truth?

Action Steps

Encourage everyone to choose one or two concrete next steps this week.

  • Pray Devoutly – Set aside a focused time to pray every day with gratitude.
  • Plead Purposely – Pray daily for your church leaders, missionaries, or a friend who’s far from God.
  • Participate Preparedly – Ask God to make you alert for one opportunity this week to share hope, serve someone, or show grace.
  •  BONUS CHALLENGE: Pray through The Lord’s Prayer each day this week—slowly and thoughtfully—using it as a rhythm to guide your heart and priorities.

Closing Prayer

Our Father in heaven,
 may Your name be kept holy.
 May Your Kingdom come soon.
 May Your will be done on earth,
 as it is in heaven.
 Give us today the food we need.
 Forgive us our sins,
 as we forgive those who sin against us.
 Don’t let us yield to temptation,
 but rescue us from the evil one.
 Lord, help us this week to pray devoutly,
 plead purposely, and participate preparedly—
 so that everything we do, we do it for You.
 In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Colossians – Everything I Do

October 12, 2025

Description:

In Colossians, the Apostle Paul makes it clear that Jesus isn’t just a part of God’s story—He’s the author. He is before all things, above all things, and first in everything. As we explore His supremacy, we’ll ask a challenging question: Is Jesus merely important to you, or is He truly first in your life?

Small Group Study Guide

Ice Breaker Questions

  1. What was your favorite song in middle school or high school — and what does it say about you?
    (Optional: Play or hum the Bryan Adams song “Everything I Do” to set up the theme.)
  2. When it comes to food — are you more of a sectioned plate person or a KFC famous bowl person?
    What does that say about your personality?
  3. Think about your daily life — where is it hardest to keep faith and real life mixed together? (Marriage, work, parenting, school, etc.)

Read Together 

Read each passage aloud together, then discuss:

Main Passage:

Discussion Questions

1. Setting the Stage

  • Bryan opened with the Bryan Adams song “Everything I Do (I Do It for You)”.
     How does that lyric challenge the way we live for Jesus?
     Can you honestly say everything you do is for Him — or are there areas you hold back?
  • What does “compartmentalized Christianity” look like in modern life?
  • What “sections” of your tray are easiest to give Jesus, and which are hardest?

2. Marriage in Jesus’ Name

  • Read Colossians 3:18–19.
     What does submission and love look like when both are motivated by reverence for Christ, not control or selfishness?
  • Bryan said, “Submission is mutually allowing one another to love each other out of our love for the Lord.”
     How could this change your perspective on marriage or close relationships?
  • What did you think about Bryan’s story of his grandparents? How did they live out “Marriage in Jesus’ Name”?

3. Parenting in Jesus’ Name

  • Read Colossians 3:20–21.
     Why do you think Paul warns parents not to “aggravate” or “discourage” their children?
  • How can parents (or mentors) lead with both truth and grace?

4. Working in Jesus’ Name

  • Read Colossians 3:23–24.
     What might it look like to do your work “as though you were working for the Lord”?
  • When have you caught yourself working for people’s approval instead of God’s?
  • What changed when your “audience” became Jesus?
  • Bryan said, “When you know who’s watching, it changes how you work.”
     How does that truth hit you this week?

5. Bringing It All Together

  • Which part of your life do you tend to keep in its own compartment — marriage, family, work, finances, time, or emotions?
  • What would it look like for Jesus to be the bowl that holds it all together instead of one section on your plate?
  • How can this group encourage one another to live “in Jesus’ name” in every area?

Action Steps

  • Identify Your Tray:
    • This week, name one area of your life that’s still “in its own compartment.”
       Write it down, and ask Jesus to show you how to bring Him into that space.
  • Marriage:
    • If married, pray together daily this week — even if just for 30 seconds.
       Ask: “How can I love and serve you in Jesus’ name today?”
  • Parenting or Mentoring:
    • Encourage your kids (or those you lead) not with perfection but with patience.
  • Work:
    • Before you begin each day, pray:
       “Lord, I’m doing this for You. Be glorified in my work today.”
  • Worship:
    • Play the song “Everything I Do (I Do It for You)” this week — but this time, sing it to Jesus. Let it remind you of the cross and your calling.

Closing Prayer

“Lord Jesus, thank You for putting our old life to death on the cross. “Lord Jesus, You gave everything for us. Forgive us for the compartments we’ve built — for giving You part of our lives instead of all of them. Teach us to love in our marriages, to parent with patience, and to work with excellence — all in Your name. Fill every corner of our lives with Your presence until everything we do truly is for You.
 We love You, Lord.
 In Your name we pray, Amen.”

Colossians – Old vs New

October 5, 2025

Description:

In Colossians, the Apostle Paul makes it clear that Jesus isn’t just a part of God’s story—He’s the author. He is before all things, above all things, and first in everything. As we explore His supremacy, we’ll ask a challenging question: Is Jesus merely important to you, or is He truly first in your life?

Small Group Study Guide

Ice Breaker Questions

  1. When you hear the word “funeral,” what emotions or memories come to mind?
  2. What about “wedding”? How do those two events symbolize change?
  3. Share something you’ve “grown out of” — a habit, mindset, or lifestyle — since coming to know Jesus.

Read Together 

Read each passage aloud together, then discuss:

Main Passage:

Supporting Scriptures:

Discussion Questions

1. Leaving the Old Life

Read Colossians 3:5–9. What specific things does Paul say we must “put to death”?

Why do you think Paul uses such strong language (“put to death”) instead of “try to avoid”?

What are some modern ways we try to “manage sin instead of murder it”?

“Be killing sin, or it will be killing you.” – John Owen

2. Living the New Life

Read Colossians 3:10–15. What are we called to “put on” as followers of Christ?

How does Paul’s imagery of clothing help you picture spiritual transformation?

In what ways does love “bind everything together in perfect harmony”?

Why is forgiveness such a key part of this “new wardrobe” in Christ?

“You are never more like Jesus than when you forgive.” – Corrie Ten Boom

3. The Gospel Picture

How does the funeral and wedding metaphor deepen your understanding of salvation?

Why is it impossible to experience new life without first letting something die?

What part of your “old self” are you still trying to drag around?

What would it look like for you to “bury” it once and for all this week?

“The cross is where the old life ends. The empty tomb is where new life begins.” – Tim Keller

Action Steps

  1. What’s one “old habit” or “old attitude” that God might be calling you to bury?
  2. What’s one “new virtue” you can intentionally put on this week (kindness, patience, humility, etc.)?
  3. How can this group help hold you accountable or pray with you in that area?
  4. Where might God be inviting you to extend forgiveness — to someone else, or even to yourself?

Practical Challenge:

  • Pick one “put on” quality from Colossians 3:12–15.
  • Write it on a card or phone reminder and pray over it daily this week —
  • “Lord, clothe me with [mercy / kindness / humility / love] today.”

Closing Prayer

“Lord Jesus, thank You for putting our old life to death on the cross.
 Thank You for raising us to walk in newness of life with You.
 Help us to stop dragging around the things You’ve already buried.
 Teach us to clothe ourselves with mercy, humility, forgiveness, and love.
 May Your peace rule in our hearts and overflow into our homes, workplaces, and relationships.
 Make us living examples of resurrection life.
 In Your name we pray, Amen.”

Colossians – Jesus + Nothing = Everything

September 28, 2025

Description:

In Colossians, the Apostle Paul makes it clear that Jesus isn’t just a part of God’s story—He’s the author. He is before all things, above all things, and first in everything. As we explore His supremacy, we’ll ask a challenging question: Is Jesus merely important to you, or is He truly first in your life?

Small Group Study Guide

Ice Breaker Questions

  1. Have you ever fallen for a marketing pitch or online trend that sounded true but wasn’t? What convinced you?

     

  2. What’s something you used to believe growing up—about faith, culture, or life—that changed when you met Jesus?

     

  3. If someone asked, “What keeps your faith rooted?” — how would you answer?

Read Together 

Read each passage aloud together, then discuss:

Read Colossians 2:4-23 (NLT)

  1. Re-read aloud verses 6–7 and 9–10, emphasizing:

    “Let your roots grow down into Him…”
     “You are complete through your union with Christ.”

Discussion Questions

1. Staying Rooted in Christ (v. 6–7)

  • What does it practically mean to “continue to follow Him”?

     

  • How does thankfulness strengthen your roots in faith?

     

2. The Lie of Philosophical Elitism (v. 8)

  • How does our culture use “knowledge,” “science,” or “enlightenment” to challenge faith in Christ?

     

  • Where do you see this lie showing up in podcasts, classrooms, or online spaces today?

     

🪶 Dig Deeper: Read 1 Corinthians 1:18–25 — How does Paul contrast human wisdom with God’s wisdom?

3. The Lie of Tradition (v. 11–12)

  • What are some “religious routines” or traditions people rely on instead of a real relationship with Christ?

     

  • How can baptism remind us of what’s already been done for us in Christ?

     

🪶 Dig Deeper: Read Romans 6:3–11 — What happens spiritually when we are “buried and raised” with Christ?

4. The Lie of Legalism (v. 16–17)

  • Why do rules and rituals often feel safer than grace?

     

  • How can we discern when obedience comes from love versus earning?

     

🪶 Dig Deeper: Read Galatians 3:1–3 and Ephesians 2:8–9 — What’s the danger of adding works to grace?

5. The Lie of False Prophets (v. 18–19)

  • What are examples today of people or movements that sound spiritual but distract from Jesus?

     

  • How can we keep Christ at the center of all teaching and ministry?

     

🪶 Dig Deeper: Read 2 Peter 2:1–3 — What are signs of false teachers?

6. The Lie of Self-Help (v. 20–23)

  • Why do self-help books and “positive energy” messages seem so attractive?

     

  • What’s the difference between self-improvement and spiritual transformation through Christ?

     

🪶 Dig Deeper: Read John 15:4–5 — What happens when we try to produce fruit apart from the Vine?

7. Jesus + Nothing = Everything

  • Why do you think Paul emphasizes Christ’s completeness so much in Colossians?

     

  • What are some modern “add-ons” Christians are tempted to believe they need for salvation or fulfillment?

Action Steps

  • Identify a False Add-On:
    • This week, reflect on what “Jesus + ___” you might be tempted to believe (success, comfort, control, appearance, approval). Confess it and release it in prayer.
  • Re-Root in Christ:
    • Spend 10 minutes daily in Colossians 2:6–7. Write one sentence each day about what it means to “live rooted in Him.”
  • Practice Gratitude:
    • Paul says thanksgiving overflows from rooted faith. Share three things you’re thankful for in Christ this week and tell someone why.

Closing Prayer

Lord Jesus, thank You that in You we are complete.
 Forgive us for the ways we’ve tried to add to Your work or earn what You’ve already finished.
 Keep us rooted in Your truth and free from the lies that surround us.
 Help our group grow deeper in You and overflow with gratitude and grace this week.
 Amen.

Colossians – Mystery of Christ

September 21, 2025

Description:

In Colossians, the Apostle Paul makes it clear that Jesus isn’t just a part of God’s story—He’s the author. He is before all things, above all things, and first in everything. As we explore His supremacy, we’ll ask a challenging question: Is Jesus merely important to you, or is He truly first in your life?

Small Group Study Guide

Ice Breaker Questions

  1. Have you ever tried to solve a puzzle or mystery that you just couldn’t figure out (like a Rubik’s Cube, a riddle, or even a life situation)? Share your story.

     

  2. What’s a “mystery” about faith or life you still wrestle with?

Read & Discuss Together 

Read each passage aloud together, then discuss:

Read Colossians 1:21–22
  1. Paul says we were once “far away” but now are “holy and blameless.”
    • How does that shift from guilt to purity encourage you?

       

    • Why do many believers still struggle to see themselves as “without a single fault” in Christ?
Read Colossians 1:24–27; Romans 5:3–5; Hebrews 12:2

      2. Paul “rejoices” in suffering. Jesus endured the cross “for the joy set before Him.”

    • How is joy possible in pain, not just after it?

       

    • Can you share a season where God gave you joy or purpose in hardship?
Read Colossians 1:28–29; Acts 1:8; 1 Peter 1:8–9

       3.  Paul writes in Colossians 1:28, “We tell others about Christ… We want to present them to God, perfect in their relationship to Christ.”

    • Why do you think Paul uses the word “we” here instead of “I”?

       

    • What does this teach us about sharing Christ as a community and not just as individuals?

       

    • How can our group take one practical step this week to live out this “we” mission together?

Action Steps

  • Purity: Each morning this week, pray Colossians 1:22 out loud: “I am holy and blameless in Christ, without a single fault.”
  • Joy: Keep a short journal. Each day, write one sentence: “Where did I see God bring purpose in my pain today?”
  • Purpose: As a group, brainstorm one simple way you can witness to or encourage someone together (e.g., invite a neighbor, serve someone in need, or pray over a friend).

Closing Prayer

“Lord Jesus, thank You that the great mystery has been revealed—You live in us. Thank You that You make us pure, give us joy in pain, and send us with purpose. Help us to depend on Your power this week, not our own. Show us how to live as people filled with Your presence, and help us live out the ‘we’ mission of sharing Christ together. In Your name we pray, Amen.”

Colossians – Jesus First

September 14, 2025

Description:

In Colossians, the Apostle Paul makes it clear that Jesus isn’t just a part of God’s story—He’s the author. He is before all things, above all things, and first in everything. As we explore His supremacy, we’ll ask a challenging question: Is Jesus merely important to you, or is He truly first in your life?

Small Group Study Guide

Ice Breaker Questions

  1. What’s something in your life you always want “first dibs” on (seat, food, parking spot, etc.)?

     

  2. Share about a time you realized you were giving someone (or something) your “leftovers” instead of your best.

     

  3. If someone asked you today, “Who or what matters most in your life?” — how would you answer honestly?

Read Together 

Read each passage aloud together, then discuss:

Primary Passage:

Complementary Passages for Deeper Study:

Discussion Questions

  1. Jesus Is First (Colossians 1:15–17)
  • What does it mean that Jesus is the “visible image of the invisible God”?

     

  • How does this passage confront the idea that Jesus is just one religious teacher among many?

     

  • Matt Chandler said, “God isn’t asking to be your number one priority. He’s asking to be the paper that every priority is written on.” How does that shift how you think about your schedule, decisions, or goals?

     

  1. Jesus Went First (1 John 4:19; Colossians 1:19–20)
  • How did Jesus “go first” for us in love?

     

  • Why is it significant that reconciliation was God’s idea, not ours?

     

  • Share a time someone else went first in forgiveness, sacrifice, or generosity toward you. How did it impact you?

     

  1. Jesus Gets First (Colossians 1:18)
  • What does it practically look like to put Jesus first in:

     

    • Time (daily routines, Sundays)?

       

    • Treasure (finances, generosity)?

       

    • Talent (gifts, service)?

       

    • Relationships (marriage, friendships, forgiveness)?

       

  • Which of these areas is hardest for you to give Jesus first place right now? Why?

     

  • How does the story about saying “no” to Sunday baseball illustrate the cost and blessing of putting Jesus first?

Action Steps

  1. Time – Set aside a consistent time each morning to pray before your feet hit the floor.

     

  2. Treasure – Evaluate your giving this week: does it reflect firstfruits or leftovers?

     

  3. Talent – Consider where God has gifted you and commit to one act of service this week.

     

  4. Relationships – Take one step of reconciliation or forgiveness toward someone in your life, modeling the love of Christ.

     

  5. Conversation – Ask yourself daily: Who or what is first in my life today?

Closing Prayer

“Lord Jesus, You are first, You went first, and You deserve our first. Forgive us when we give You our leftovers instead of our best. Teach us to put You first in our time, our treasure, our talents, and our relationships. Help us live in such a way that others see You above all. And may our lives declare what Charlie Kirk could no longer say—that You are the way, the truth, and the life, and no one comes to the Father except through You. Amen.”