Text:
Colossians 2
1. Talk about something that you didn’t see or couldn’t find that was hidden in plain sight?
“Following Christ requires that you begin to see the cultural assumptions that you’ve taken on and embraced that are contrary to the gospel and undo those assumptions with the higher wisdom of who Jesus is and what Jesus has done."
Two “philosophies and empty deceit”(Colossians 2:8) that feed our cultural assumptions:
IDOLATRY: when you chase after things, instead of Jesus, to satisfy your heart.
2. What are your ‘if only’s? Fill in the blank: “If only _____ happened, then my life would be better.”
3. What are some values/philosophies that the world is trying to convince us is true? (Example: Do whatever makes you happy) Why do they sound so convincing? What are the results of these philosophies?
MORALISM: save yourself by being good, or compare yourself to someone not as good as you.
4. Pastor Justin called moralism the most lethal opponent to the gospel ever invented. Why did you think he called it that? Have you seen either of these two definitions of moralism in your life?
The opposite of idolatry & moralism:
UNION: believer's solidarity with Christ, by the Holy Spirit through faith.
“Through the gospel, we have come to base our identity not on what we have achieved but what has been achieved for us in Christ.” – Tim Keller
5. Take a few minutes and point out characteristics of Jesus that you see in others in your group.
As you stop and consider your life right now, is it being defined by union with Christ or with idolatry and moralism? Take some time and pray for each other to continue to keep Jesus at the center of their lives and for reliance on, reflection of, and relationship with Jesus.
For further reading: Look up and read all of these “In Him” verses in Colossians 1 and 2. (Colossians 1:14, 16, 19, 22, 2:3, 6, 7, 10, 11, 12, 15) Talk through the importance of being "In Him" now and forever.