FOCUS

John asked, "Lord, lighten my load." Betty pleaded, "Lord, bolster my back." Discuss whether either person prayed a better prayer.

AIM

That we more consistently choose and put into action God's power in Jesus Christ for our worship and work.

DISCOVER

1. Read Colossians 1:9-14. Summarize or paraphrase the Apostle Paul's message in your own words.
2. For whom did Paul pray in verse 9? Why does this surprise us, since Paul was imprisoned? Let's review our prayer priorities.
3. For what did Paul pray in verses 9-14? Evaluate his choices.
4. How are we as Christians filled? See Ephesians 5:18-21 as well as Colossians 1:9-10
5. __T or __F When we are "filled" with the Holy Spirit we are "controlled" by the Holy Spirit. Through the Word of God He enables us to understand and obey the will of God. (What does a Christian mean when she says, "I am under control, now!")
6. Give examples of how spiritual wisdom changes our daily lives. See verse 10. Compare Ephesians 4:1-12.
7. What does God promise when we, troubled by physical and spiritual troubles, ask for a miracle? See verses 11-12
8. How does God stabilize our lives and continually energize us for our worship and our work? See verses 13-14

1. Read Colossians 1:15-20 What words in this paragraph make the greatest impact on us? What would be the character of the music we would compose, if we could, to put this paragraph into a public worship experience?
2. False teachers tried to bring the Christians at Colossae under rigid regulations regarding what they ate and drank and how they conducted their worship.
These teachers pushed angel worship and said everything material was evil, and that, therefore, Jesus was not human because as God He could not have a human body, which is evil. How did Paul explain that Jesus frees people from all human customs and philosophies?
3. How does the truth of verse 17 strengthen us when we feel that everything in the world and in our lives is coming apart? How does this verse influence our American citizenship?
4. How do we apply to our teaching and activities at Webster Gardens church Paul's assertion that Christ is the Head (Source, Originator, Leader, Ruler) of God's church? Verse 18
5. Why is Jesus superior and has no equal? Verse 19
6. If a friend confuses the word "reconcile" in verse 20 with the word "recancel" why will we not get too uptight about it? What has God done for us and the entire world through His Son, Jesus? Now, what do we in turn become by the Spirit's power for the people of our world. See 2 Corinthians 5:18-21

BELIEVE AND DO

1. Identify one way in which you choose to mature in your relationship with Jesus Christ, your Strength and Salvation
2. Choose at least one action by which you will in the coming ten days demonstrate the power and preeminence of Christ in your life.


Click here for a printable worksheet.


Group Finder

Group Finder is a tool to help you locate a small group based on answering a few questions about the type of group, location, and time you would like to meet. It then allows you to view and join open small groups electronically! Click here to go to the page.