From the moment we were old enough to answer the question, “What do you want to be when you grow up,” we have had dreams and hopes for our lives. As we reflect on these dreams and hopes, some of them have come to fruition, others we are still dreaming and hoping for, and others we have let go of and are no longer our hopes and dreams. We are not the only ones who dream and hope for our lives. Scripture teaches that God has plans, hopes, and dreams for our lives that are greater than anything we could imagine.
When you were a kid, what did you want to be when you grew up?
Bible Study Questions
WATCH SERMON RECAP #1
1. What are the implications from the truth that God has great plans for each one of our lives?
2. Read Colossians 1:24-29. What was different about Paul and his ministry?
Colossians 1:24-29 I am glad when I suffer for you in my body, for I am participating in the sufferings of Christ that continue for his body, the church. God has given me the responsibility of serving his church by proclaiming his entire message to you. This message was kept secret for centuries and generations past, but now it has been revealed to God’s people. For God wanted them to know that the riches and glory of Christ are for you Gentiles, too. And this is the secret: Christ lives in you. This gives you assurance of sharing his glory. So we tell others about Christ, warning everyone and teaching everyone with all the wisdom God has given us. We want to present them to God, perfect[a] in their relationship to Christ. That’s why I work and struggle so hard, depending on Christ’s mighty power that works within me.
Colossians 1:24-29
I am glad when I suffer for you in my body, for I am participating in the sufferings of Christ that continue for his body, the church. God has given me the responsibility of serving his church by proclaiming his entire message to you. This message was kept secret for centuries and generations past, but now it has been revealed to God’s people. For God wanted them to know that the riches and glory of Christ are for you Gentiles, too. And this is the secret: Christ lives in you. This gives you assurance of sharing his glory.
So we tell others about Christ, warning everyone and teaching everyone with all the wisdom God has given us. We want to present them to God, perfect[a] in their relationship to Christ. That’s why I work and struggle so hard, depending on Christ’s mighty power that works within me.
3. According to Paul, why was his ministry to God so powerful and effective?
4. Read Colossians 2:1-5. According to these verses, what was Paul’s purpose in his life?
Colossians 2:1-5 I want you to know how much I have agonized for you and for the church at Laodicea, and for many other believers who have never met me personally. I want them to be encouraged and knit together by strong ties of love. I want them to have complete confidence that they understand God’s mysterious plan, which is Christ himself. In him lie hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. I am telling you this so no one will deceive you with well-crafted arguments. For though I am far away from you, my heart is with you. And I rejoice that you are living as you should and that your faith in Christ is strong.
Colossians 2:1-5
I want you to know how much I have agonized for you and for the church at Laodicea, and for many other believers who have never met me personally. I want them to be encouraged and knit together by strong ties of love. I want them to have complete confidence that they understand God’s mysterious plan, which is Christ himself. In him lie hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.
I am telling you this so no one will deceive you with well-crafted arguments. For though I am far away from you, my heart is with you. And I rejoice that you are living as you should and that your faith in Christ is strong.
5. When you think about your ministry and Paul’s, what commonalities do you see?
6. How does Paul’s attitude about his calling and ministry challenge you in your own life?
7. Paul was willing to pay any price to share the Gospel throughout the world. What price might God be calling you to pay to share your faith with someone who is far from Him? What encouragement do you find from Paul’s story?
As followers of Christ, we are called to spread God’s message to a lost and dying world in need of Him. Take some time as a group to evaluate how you all are doing carrying out His message. What is going well? What needs improvement? How can you all join together this week to spread God’s message of hope? One small step is to use the invite cards we provide on campus for you to invite people to attend a service. Hold each other accountable for handing out at least one invite card each week.
As our study of the armor of God inches closer to the finish line, we are going to look at two more things: a command to stand our ground that Paul gives in these verses, along with employing the breastplate of righteousness. Both of these are essential aspects of combat readiness, not only in physical battles but in the spiritual battles that take place in our lives.
Stand Firm:
“Stand your ground,” he writes in Ephesians 6:14. If you’ve ever played a sport that involves physical contact, your coach likely spent time helping you develop a strong base or footing to stand your ground. Be it boxing or judo, basketball or hockey, you must have a firm foundation. As you compete, you have to lean into the contest. You can’t be caught on your heels by your opponent, or you will risk defeat. You must stand firm. The same applies to physical and spiritual battles. Standing firm is critical if we are going to carry out God’s purpose for our lives.
Read Psalm 61:1-4.
Read 1 Peter 1:6-7.
Read Matthew 6:24-29.
After reading through Scripture, is there a common denominator that you see coming through the different descriptions of what it looks like to stand firm? What is it? Why is this common denominator crucial for standing firm under spiritual attack?
Breastplate of Righteousness:
The breastplate of righteousness closely resembles the chest plate of modern body armor. It protects the wearer’s vital organs. The chest plate absorbs and defeats violent assaults aimed at our hearts. The same concept applies in Spiritual Battles with the Breastplate of Righteousness. If we want to stand firm in battle and carry out the purpose God has for us, we have to guard our hearts.
Read Proverbs 4:23.
Read Philippians 4:6-7.
Spend some time talking with your group about what it will look like to stand firm by guarding our hearts. What habits or practices might help you as you seek to stand firm? Share this with your group. Finally, pray for each other. Ask God for the boldness and courage to stand firm and guard your heart so that you can remain standing when life becomes unsteady and difficult.
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Romans 8:31 What shall we say about such wonderful things as these? If God is for us, who can ever be against us?
Romans 8:31
What shall we say about such wonderful things as these? If God is for us, who can ever be against us?
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