Questions about Sharing the Gospel

Text: Colossians 4:3-6
Sermon: Rev. Anne Kennedy


1.  How important is it to those outside the church that we live a holy life as Christians?

2.  How important is it that we prepared to speak about Jesus?

3.  Is it more important to live a holy lifestyle or to be prepared to speak and share the Gospel?

4.  What wide-spread misconceptions do people have about Christians?

5. (v.3-4)  Why should prayer come before we speak to others about Jesus?

6. (v.4) How can God “ruin our lives” to spread the Gospel?  Or, in what ways has God worked through people in uncomfortable or frustrating situations to increase His glory?

7. (v.5) We must make an effort to be wise in our actions and words towards people.  How do we become wise?

8. (v.6) Is there value is understanding anything outside the Bible?  Either way, defend your reasoning.

9. (v.5) How do we develop an awareness of the opportunities God puts in front of us?  In other words, how do we prepare our minds and our words for sharing the Gospel?

10. (v.6) Salt is a very vivid symbol for what Christians should be in the world.  It implies that we should have flavor in our speech as well as a cleansing, healing and preserving presence.  Discuss why this is a great symbol for those who are spreading the Gospel.

Questions about Prayer

Text: Colossians 4:2-4, Luke 18:1-8, Hebrews 13:20-21
Sermon: Rev. Matt Kennedy

1.  (Lead-In) What are your expectations regarding prayer toward God?

2.  (Lead-In) What is the evidence of answered prayer?  Is it always what we expect?

3.  (Lead-In) How do feelings and emotions aide us during our prayer times?  How can they also mislead us?

4. (Luke 18:1-8) God values and encourages consistency in our prayer requests.  What are some prayers you have consistency prayed about?  Have any of them come to partial or complete fruition?

5. (Col 4:2) What are some of the challenges people have during prayer?  What prevents us from praying consistently and regularly?

6. (Heb 13:20-21) What does God equip us with in order to continue doing His good work (even when we sometimes don’t want to)?

7.  (Col 4:2) Paul calls us to be watchful for threats to our faith.  What are some of those threats?

8.  (Col 4:2) How can individual sin turn into church-wide (or corporate) sin?  How do we stop our sin from “infecting” others?

9.  (Col 4:2) An attitude of thanksgiving in prayer yields many spiritual benefits.  Name and discuss a few of them.

Questions about Slavery: Part 2

Text: Colossians 3:22-4:1, Ephesians 6:5-9, 1 Corinthians 7:22-23, 1 Timothy 1:10, Philemon 1

Sermon: Rev. Matt Kennedy

1.   Even today there are still a large number of slaves (even in America).  Although some forms of slavery are obvious, some are not.  Discuss how different forms of slavery exist in the world today.

2.  Although owning slaves is permissible by God, it is not in God’s ultimate design.  Can you think of other human conditions and systems where this might be true?

3.  Using the two weeks combined, how could you better defend the Bible in regards to slavery?  In other words, what important and critical facts did you learn that you had not known before?

4. Slavery is often misunderstood and sections of Scripture have been misused for evil intent.  Give an example of when you have encountered someone misusing Scripture.

5. How could you respectfully correct a person who misuses Scripture?

6. Try reading the book of Philemon.  (You can do it; it’s only 25 verses!)  What do you notice about Paul’s language?

7. Share what you think is particularly interesting or special about the book of Philemon.  What to do you think its purpose is in the Bible?

FOR MORE INFORMATION about slavery in America and around the world, click here or here.

Questions about Slavery: Part 1

Text: Colossians 3:22 – 4:1, Genesis 3:17-19

Sermon: Rev. Matt Kennedy

1. [Lead-in] What connotations or implications does the word “slavery” have?

2. [Lead-in] Is there ever a time where slavery is justified?

3. [Gen. 3:17-19] How does the relationship between people and the Earth become strained when Adam and Eve sinned against God?

4. [History] In ancient Israel, God provides a system (through Moses) to take care of the poor.   A person could voluntarily work under someone and in return be given free food and health care for 6 years at a time.  How could this be beneficial or favorable for those down on their luck?

5.  [History] The same worker could walk away from the job whenever they wanted to or whenever they could pay of their debt.  If that wasn’t possible, after the 6 year term, the worker could choose to stay for another 6 years or be given the goods needed to start on their own again, debt free.  In addition, the Law also gave these workers rights that protected their physical being and dignity.  How is this system different than the type of slavery that was seen in the 1800s and today?

6. [Col 3:22-4:1] God calls for the death penalty for those who kidnap or possess people who are stolen (in other words, slaves).  With that in mind, re-read Colossians 3:22 – 4:1.  Does anything in the passage stand out more than when you first read it?

7. [App] In addition to the above, God calls all his people who can afford to do so to give sacrificially.  In fact Deuteronomy 15:4 states that there will be no poor among the people of Israel.  How would a system like the one mentioned above work today?  What role should the church play in it?  Could it even exist?

Questions for Parenting: Part 2

Texts: Colossians 3:20-21, Ephesians 6:1-4, Hebrews 12:6-11, Deuteronomy 11:18-19

Sermon: Rev. Matt Kennedy

1. [Lead-In] Disciplining children is similar to when you first decide to live like a Christian.  Share your trials of when you first committed your life to Christ.

2. [Lead-In] Why will children who fail to respect their parents also refuse to respect other authority figures, adults and teachers?

3. [Heb. 12:5-11] Saying yes or always agreeing with your child can be addictive and unhealthy for the entire family over time. What might be some of the consequences of this?

4. [Eph. 6:1-2] Paul commands two rules for the children: Obey your parents and honor them.  Give some examples in what obeying and honoring parents looks like or doesn't look like.

5. [Eph. 6:1-4] We love God because He loved us first... and He showed us what that love looks like.  How does this love work in parenting?

6. [Eph. 6:1-4] Is it okay for parents to admit their wrongs to children?

7. [Deut. 11:18-19] How should parents work Jesus into everyday situations (including discipline)?

8. [App] How do we teach children to take the focus off themselves and onto Jesus?

9. [App] How should parents discipline their children without provoking anger?

Questions for Parenting: Part 1

Text: Colossians 3:20-21, Ephesians 2:1-3, Ephesians 2:8-10, Ephesians 6:1-4

Sermon: Rev. Matt Kennedy

1. [Lead In] Discuss some of the ways you were raised or how you have raised your children.

2. [Eph 2:1-3] Paul states here that all humans are fallen by nature. What does “by nature” mean? And what evidences do we see of this truth?

3. [Eph 2:1-3] American culture in particular views children differently than Scripture. Discuss some of these views and the reasons why they might be incompatible with a Biblical worldview.

4. [Eph 2:8-10] Paul also states that we were designed to enjoy and to glorify God. What are some things that please God, which are also things you love to do?

5. [App] How does our fallen and disobedient state distort the fact that we were made to find joy in God by glorifying him?

6. [Eph 6:1-3] Why does God want children to obey their parents? What benefit is there to the child physically, mentally, and spiritually?

7. [Eph 6:1-3] Put the promise in verses two and three into layman’s terms.  Also, why does this promise make sense in a practical and spiritual way?

8. [App] In light of these questions, prioritize the goals of parenting. Please share and discuss your reasoning with the group.

Questions about Husbands

Text: Colossians 3:19, Ephesians 5:21, 25-32

Sermon: Rev. Matt Kennedy

1. [Col 3:19] Think about what type of love is being mentioned here.  In other words, how is a husband supposed to love his wife?

2. [Col 3:18-19] Paul takes extra effort to address wives and husbands with separate commands.  This is done to intentionally “delink” the two verses.  Why is this important?  Also, do you think the order of the verses have any significance?

3. [Ephesians] Read Ephesians 5: 21, 25-32 as it is an extension of Colossians 3:19.  Discuss what “head of the household” means in this context.

4. [Ephesians] Should husbands be prepared to follow Christ in ways that might make them feel uncomfortable?  Why or why not?  (Note: This is a trick question. The answer is “yes.”)

5. [Eph 5:25-27] Look again at Ephesians 5:25-27.  How does a husband do these things?  What happens in a marriage where this is happens?

6. [Eph 5:28-29] What is Paul getting at when he writes that husbands should love their wives as their own bodies?

7. [App] Although a disputed translation, harsh could also mean embitter.  Politely, discuss situations where you have embittered someone.  How can we adjust ourselves so this doesn’t become habit?

8. [App] Politely, discuss a situation where you have been subject to embitterment.  How should we address our loved ones when we’ve been hurt.

Questions about Wives

Text: Colossians 3: 18, Philippians 2: 5 - 8

Sermon: Rev. Anne Kennedy

1. [Lead-In] How has cultures viewed and treated women throughout different geographical regions and time periods?

2. [Lead-In] Specifically, how does American culture treat women today?  Feel free to use personal experiences.

3. Why is it so important that Paul addresses wives with this command as opposed to their husbands?

4. The word submit can also be translated to subject.  What does true submittal or subjection look like outwardly (in actions) and inwardly (in heart and mind)?

5. Read Philippians 2: 5 – 8.  Discuss how a wives submittal to a husband imitates Jesus’ submittal to Christ.

6. Consider the phrase “as is fitting in the Lord.”  What are some examples or limitations where wives should not submit to their husbands?

7. “As is fitting” does not mean wives will be comfortable or even at peace in their submittal.  Considering the conversations and questions from last week, what can wives do secure themselves in this command?

8. [App] The way wives submit to their husbands is uniquely different.  If you are married, share some of the ways you have worked this verse out.  If you are a woman who is single, dating or engaged, try to describe how this study has changed your view on being a future wife.

Questions Colossians 3: 15 - 17

Text: Colossians 3: 12 - 17

Sermon: Rev. Matt Kennedy

1. [Lead-In] How do you typically make a decision when a choice is not clear or easy to make?

2. [App] Why might “being at peace” in a situation be a good or bad indicator for the choices we make?

3. [v.15] What is the “peace of Christ” and how is it different than the feeling of “being at peace?”

4. [v.15] How does “Christ’s rule” bring unity to the body of believers (that is, the church)?

5. [v.16] What is admonishment and how is it effectively used in the church?

6. [v.16] How is worship with gratitude, teaching in wisdom, and admonishment used to understand Christ’s word?

7. [v.16] How do these same practices (mentioned in question 6) shape us as believers?

8. [v.17] To do something “in the name of Christ” is to do so in accordance or in the same spirit as Christ did it.  What steps should we take, or what indicators are there telling us if something should be done in Christ’s name?

9. [App] When we dwell in Christ’s word for prolong periods of time, what happens to us individuals and as a church?

Questions about Love

Text: Colossians 3: 12 - 14
Sermon: Rev. Matt Kennedy


1. [Lead-In] What are some of the things you love?

2. The English language has limitations that prevent us for understanding different levels of love.  Without using the Greek definitions (if you remember or know them), discuss the different levels or meanings of the word love.

3. [v.12-14] How are the virtues in verse 12 enhanced or improved with the addition of love?  In other words, how to love 'bind them together in perfect unity?"

4. [v.13-14] How is love related to forgiveness?  Can you have one without the other?  Why or why not?

5. Why is making decisions based on eros (romantic or irrational) love unhealthy or unwise?

6.  Why is it a good thing that we have needs based on agape (unconditional or God-like) love?  In other words, why are we created with needs that only God can fill, and why is this a good thing?

7. Why do we falter in spreading agape (unconditional or God-like) love to a dark and fallen world, when we know that it is necessary for a relationship with God?

8. Think and share a situation (real or fictitious), where agape love is difficult or challenging to practice.

Questions for Colossians 3:12-13

Text: Colossians 3:12 - 14

Sermon: Rev. Matt Kennedy

1. [Review] What does it mean to be God’s chosen, holy and beloved?

2. What does “clothe yourself” mean?  What does the imagery imply?

3. Many of the qualities in verse 12 require us to be honest with ourselves.  How does someone be honest with themselves?  Or, what questions do we need ask ourselves?

4. What does compassion in community look like?

5. Although compassion is a feeling, it is more so an action.  What does this mean in how we practice compassion?

6. In what situations is kindness necessary?  Can you speak in truth and in kindness simultaneously?  What does this look like?

7. How do we measure our own and other’s humility?

8. What does a congregation with humility look like?  What do they do? How do they do it?

9. How does gentleness (or meekness) differ from a lack of confidence?

10. How is meekness used by God to bring His kingdom?

11. How can our patience grow?  Consider what is written in verse 13.

Questions about our Sin Nature

Text:  Ephesians 1:3 – 5, Colossians 3:12 – 25

1.  (Lead-in) Can you think of a time where someone’s hypocrisy frustrated or angered you?  Please refrain from using specific names.

2.  (Eph 1:4, Col 3:12) God is intimately aware of our sinful and hypocritical thoughts and actions before the Creation of the universe, yet still chooses to love us.  How should we approach ours and other’s hypocrisy?

3.  (Eph 1:4, Col 3:12) Discuss the difference between “Jesus died on the cross because He loves us” and, “Jesus loves us so much that He died on the cross.”  Is there even a difference at all?

4.  (App) Why does God clean up our sin lives, when He knows we will never be perfect?

5.  (Col 3:12) Through Paul, God calls us chosen, holy and beloved despite our imperfections.  How are we bestowed with such unworthy titles?

6.  (Col 3:12 – 25) What particular characteristic(s) in Colossians 3: 12 – 25 strike you as the most difficult as an individual or as a community?  (We will be investigating these in more depth in future weeks.)

7.  (App) Our sin nature tempts us away from commitment.  What reasons and excuses do people, including us, make to avoid commitment and accountability?

8.  (App) When we refuse to let Christ in our lives, we choose to commit to ourselves and not to a community of believers.  What is the consequence of that choice?

Questions about God's Glory and Man's Glory

Text:  Genesis 11: 1 – 9, Colossians 3: 9 – 11
Sermon: Rev. Matt Kennedy

1. [Gen 11:1-4] What is the underlying sin of the people in Genesis 11?  Can you think of a modern day equivalent to “the tower?”

2. [Gen 11:5-9] What is your opinion of God’s action in this account?  Is God fearful of man?  Is God justified in His actions?  What are His reasons for his actions?

3. [Gen 11] In what ways do we try to be our own god?

4. [Col 3:11] Paul calls for the end of discrimination based on race, class and social status.  What cultural discriminations do we see today inside and outside of the church that need to be eliminated?

5. [Col 3:11] What does, “Christ is all, and is in all,” mean to us?  Why is that important?

6. [App] As a church trying to unify believers, in what ways do we neglect the diversity of others?

7. [App] As individuals, Christians are called to confirm to the mind and likeness of Jesus, yet by God’s grace, we keep our uniqueness.  How is this possible?

8. [App] Specifically, explain why our differences, personally and corporately, completes the design of God’s creation.

Questions for Colossians 3: 5 – 8

Text: Colossians 3: 1 - 11

1.  (v. 5) What similarities do the sins share in verse 5?  How are they related?

2.  (v. 5) Paul goes out of the way to mention that greed (or covetousness) is also an idol.  If you have thought about it before, in what specific ways does greed serve as an idol?

3.  (v. 6,7) Paul’s first list (verse 5) is a charge to purge sin out of the Colossians (and our own) personal lives.  Why do you think Paul chooses these particular instructions first?  Particularly consider the need to reflect internally, before interacting with other people and groups around us.

4.  (v. 8) What similarities do the sins share  in verse 8?  How are they related?

5.   (v.5-8) Explain how sins of the “heart” effect the “tongue.”  In other words, how does our heart and mind influence our actions?

6.  (v.5-8) Explain how sins of the “tongue” effect the “heart.”  In other words, how do our actions influence our heart and mind?

7.  (v.5-8) Because our sins (against each other and God) have internal and external consequences, how do we correct our habitual sin that influence both?

8.  (v.5-8) Despite any shortcomings and baggage we bring, God chooses to use the Colossians and us as seeds of change to the world and its culture.  In light of this fact and our conversation, how does this make you feel?  Why would God allow this?

Questions for Colossians 3: 1 – 4

Text: Colossians 3:1 - 4 

1. (v. 1-2) Setting your heart “on things above” is not an overnight process.  What can we do to set our hearts on heavenly things? 

2. (v. 1-2) What forces set our hearts toward earthly things?  Be as specific as possible.

3. (v. 1-2) Can heavenly thoughts descend to us here?  Can earthly thoughts ascend to heaven?

4. (v. 1-2) Do you believe that if you lack heavenly understanding, then you are unable to understand our world?  Why or why not?

5. (v. 1-2) Why is Christ’s equality with God good news for us?  Why is this significant?

6. (v. 3) What does, “your life is now hidden with Christ,” mean?  What thoughts or images spring to mind?

7. (v. 4) What does “Christ, who is your life,” mean?

8. (app) Do you think following Christ is more difficult than what you would thought it would be?  Why?  Give reasons and examples. 

Questions about Self-Discipline

Text: Colossians 2:16 – 23

1. Although not a contextually accurate interpretation of verse 16, how often do we let ourselves be judged and influenced by other people’s opinions?  Is this a beneficial practice for us or not?

2.  Do you think we learn to sin naturally or is it something we learn through our surroundings and environment?

3.  Despite our best efforts or our position with God, we seem inclined to repeat our sins over and again.  Why do we continue to indulge in our sins?

4.  (v.20,21) Do you think self-discipline helps us limit our sins?  Is there a limit to self-discipline and, if so, where do we draw the line?

5.  (v.21-22)  Is strict self-discipline any different from religion?

6.  (v. 21-22) Other religions and spiritual practices outside Christianity place a large emphasis on being disciplined and living on a set of laws.  How is this different than Christianity?

7.  (v.23) What power does the Gospel have over self-discipline?

8.  (v. 23) Do you think surrendering to God is a better healer than self-discipline?  Do you think it's easier?

Questions for Colossians 2: 13 – 15

Worship: Psalm 30
Text: Colossians 2:13-15

1.  What does it mean to be “dead in our sin” or “dead in our trespasses?” (v. 13)

2.  Last week, we discussed some aspects of baptism.  Primarily, baptism is the NT sign of being in covenant with God.  What characteristics define Christians?  Or in other words, what are our identifying marks?

3.  Why does God want us baptized?  Do you think it is necessary?  Why or why not?

4.  We do not become “good” when we start attending church – we are still sinners – but we do being to spiritually mature.  If you feel comfortable, share something that you had to or wanted to give up for God.

5.  Some people view Christianity/church as changing your behavior or a moral code.  Although this does happen, it is not the Gospel.  Why is this a good thing for Christians?

6.  What is Christ disarming the powers and authorities from doing? (v.13)

7.  Describe how the fullness of Christ in us ends boasting and pride.

8.  Describe how the fullness of Christ in us ends the feeling of expectations and disappointments in ourselves and others.

Questions for Colossians 2: 8 - 12

Worship: Psalm 19
Text: Colossians 2:8-12

Questions by Joe Kovac

1.  In verse 8, “philosophy” actually refers to a specific type of thinking called The Philosophy, which was predominant among the Colossians during the time when the letter was written.  Think of a few popular philosophies or traditions that are influence our culture today.

2.  Just like “The Philosophy” spreading among the Colossians, we can find small parts of truth among the lies.  What truths can we find about our modern philosophies and traditions?  Which claims are empty deceits?

3.  Since Christ dwells in bodily form, what implications does this have in our daily lives?  In other words, what is the significance that spirit and flesh co-exist?

4.  Verse 9 explains that although Christ is a man, He is also completely and fully divine.  What does it mean to you that God came to us as a man (namely, Christ)?

5.  Following Christ’s lead, we put off our sinful ways through the help of the Holy Spirit.  If you feel comfortable, share a time where you have successfully overcome sin.

6.  What are the “powers” and “authorities” mentioned in verse 10?  How are they manifested throughout the world?  How are they manifested in our daily lives?

7.  Baptism is the New Testament symbol of being in covenant and in relationship with God.  Consider the terminology used in verse 12.  How does this help us understand the fullness of Christ.

Questions by Rev. Matt Kennedy

8.  Paul warns the Colossian Christians not to be taken “captive” by philosophy and empty deceit.  Discuss some of the reasons a philosophy like Gnosticism or Jewish merkabah might be alluring to first century people. Are there any philosophies/ religions/ spiritualities today that bear resemblance to them? If so, why or how might people today be “taken captive” by them.

9.  In the Greek text, it is fairly clear that Paul is not warning against “philosophy” in general but “the Philosophy” in particular. The teaching that threatened the Colossian church was probably called “the Philosophy.”  Sophia in Greek means wisdom and “phileo” in Greek means love.   This means “philosophy” is the love of wisdom. Given that Paul was not attacking philosophy in general, can you think of some reasons that the teachers of “the Philosophy” in Colossea might have adopted such a name for their teaching? What might be attractive about a teaching with such a name?  Is there ever any danger in loving “wisdom”?

10.  The first thing Paul says about “The Philosophy” is that it may be set alongside and understood as: “empty deceit”—the Philosophy is equated with “empty deceit”. Can you think of any reasons Paul might have used the word “empty”? Observe and discuss the significance of the use Paul makes of the contrast between “fullness” and “emptiness” in vv.8-10

11.   The phrase “according to” in verse 8 is similar in meaning to the phrase “in the name of” elsewhere in the New Testament.  So when you pray “in the name” of Jesus, you are praying “according to” him or his will. Knowing that, discuss the significance/meaning of Paul’s use of that phrase in verse 8.  (He uses it twice.)

12.  Paul writes that the Philosophy is according to “human tradition”. Define “tradition”. Jewish mystics believed that God revealed certain spiritual truths to Moses on Mt. Sinai that he did not write down but were instead passed down orally. How might Paul be addressing this idea in verse 8? What makes a “tradition” acceptable or unacceptable? Why do you think Paul describes this particular tradition as “human?”  Does he imply that all “human” traditions are to be avoided?  Why or why not?

13.  Paul writes that the Philosophy is according to “the elemental spirits of the world”—the “stoichia”. What do you think Paul means? What are the “stoichia” as far as Paul is concerned?

14.  Compare what Paul writes about the stoichia in v.8 with what he writes to the Corinthians in 1 Cor 10:20; 2 Cor 11:14; Ephesians 2: 2 and Ephesians 6:12. Might we, on the basis of these texts, draw any general conclusions about Paul’s view of the source of the Philosophy? What are these conclusions? Might we also on the basis of these texts draw any broader conclusions about faiths and spiritualities that are not “according to Christ?” What are these conclusions?

15.  Compare and contrast what Paul writes about the Philosophy in verse 8 with what he writes about Jesus in verses 9-10.

16.  How does Paul seek to address the desires and longings that might draw people to the Philosophy in vv9-10? In what ways might these verses inform our own engagement with people drawn to other religions, faiths, philosophies, or spiritualities?

17.  Identify some aspects of Christian teaching, articulated in vv.9-10 which would have been particularly difficult to accept for people in the first century drawn to the Philosophy. Are these aspects of the faith any easier to accept now in our culture? Paul does not hesitate to declare counter cultural truths about Jesus Christ that might “turn off” his readers. Discuss some Christian truths that are “turn offs” in our culture.

18.  If Paul were writing to Good Shepherd (or your home church) what philosophies, practices, or cultural beliefs might he confront and how might he do it?

19.   What aspects of your faith do you find the most difficult to share? Why?

Questions for Colossians 1: 24 - 27

I thought I would share the questions I asked at my Missions Group so that anyone can use them for their Bible study group, devotional, or just for kicks.  You can listen/watch the sermon by clicking anywhere on this sentence.

Questions by Joe Kovac

1)  When you are stressed, uncomfortable or frustrated in our day-to-day lives, how do you cope?

2)  Do you think your pains and frustrations are worth suffering for?  Do you have a choice to suffer for them or not?

3)  “Rejoicing does not mean the absence of pain.”  Keeping this in mind, how can we find some joy in our darker hours, days, weeks, months, years, etc.?

4)  Many Christians claim to love Christ, but some can’t or refuse to love the church, (which is Christ’s body or Christ’s bride).  Why do you think this is?

5)  The Holy Spirit works in us to complete the work Christ did for us on the cross.  But do we allow the Holy Spirit to work in us only during “our better times”?  How about our bad times?

6)  If you are in Christ, then you have received a calling that you are a steward of.   No calling is greater or lesser, because all gifts and talents are needed for the entire church to demonstrate God’s love and maximize God’s glory.  What has God gives you a call for?  (If you don’t know what your calling is, talk to a friend, or pray about it (or both).)

7)  Are we ready to accept and suffer, if need be, for our God-given calling?  Is this easy or hard to do (or both)?

8)  If our willingness to serve those inside and outside the church is a gauge for our relationship with Christ, how do you measure up?  Where have you failed?  Where can you improve?

Questions by Rev. Matt Kennedy

9)  Paul does not say that he suffers for the sake of “Christ” but for the sake of the Colossian church (v.24) and the Body as a whole (v.24). What might this say about Paul’s understanding of the purpose and importance both of the local church and the Church as a whole?

10)  What light does this shed on service in and through the church?

11)  Paul writes in v. 24 that in his flesh he is “filling up what is lacking in Christ’s afflictions”.  Discuss some of the “afflictions” of Paul’s life, especially his circumstances as he writes to the Colossians.  What are some of the ways Paul is and has been afflicted?

12)  Discuss the phrase “filling up what is lacking in Christ’s afflictions” in light of Hebrews 10:1-18, Philippians 2:30, and John 15:18-16:4.

13)  Describe Paul’s ministry, as he articulates it in vv 25-27. What is he called to do? What is the “mystery”, to whom is it revealed, who is it for, and what is its significance?

14) Discuss the meaning of the phrase “Christ in you” (v.27). What does it mean to have Christ in you? How might this be “good news” to the gentiles in Colossae? How might this “mystery” lend more content to the phrase “filling up what is lacking in Christ’s afflictions”?

15)  Discuss your own relationship to both the local church and the invisible church. Have you seen it as holding the same role and significance as Paul? Why or why not?  Discuss some times that you have felt alienated from, hostile, or indifferent toward your local church or the Church in general.