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.”