Life In Christ: The Path, The Roots, The Foundation. (Colossians 2)

 What clothes do you put on when you are cold?

What clothes do you put on when you are hot?

What clothes do you put on when you are going out to eat?

What clothes do you put on when you go to work?

What clothes do you put on when you lounge around the house?

What clothes do you put on when you want to grow spiritually?

Read Romans 13:4.

Putting on clothes can't help us grow spiritually, but putting on Christ is the secret to spiritual growth. What do you think it means to "put on Christ?"

Read Colossians 2:6-7. Being "in Him" is the same idea as "putting on Christ" or being "clothed with Christ". In these verses, Paul gives three pictures to help us understand what it means to be "in Christ".

What do you think it means to "walk in Him"?

Read Matthew 7:13, Proverbs 3:6, and Psalm 119:105. What do these verses teach about the path we choose to walk through life?

How would your next steps in life change if your greatest priority was to imitate Jesus?

What do you think it means to be "rooted in Him"?

Read Psalm 1:1-3, John 15:5, and Galatians 5:22-23. What do these verses teach about roots, branches, and fruit?

If you allow Jesus to be the primary source of authority in your life, what kind of fruit should your life be bearing?

What do you think it means to be "built up in Him"?

Read Matthew 7:24-27 and 1 Corinthians 3:11-13. What do these verses teach about the foundation of our life?

If Jesus is the foundation of your life, how should that impact what you think? How should it impact what you say? How should it impact the way you treat and talk about others?

Which of these areas is most challenging for you?

- Walking Jesus' path?

- Being rooted in Jesus?

- Allowing Jesus to be your foundation?

What is your next step?

How can this group pray for you?

All I Want For Christmas: Generosity (Matthew 2:9-12)

What gift are you most excited about giving this Christmas?

How would you define “generosity”?

Read Matthew 2:9-12. Make a list of the five most important words in these verses. Talk about what makes these words significant.

Do you think the Wise Men were generous? Why or why not?

Why do you think the Wise Men gave gifts to Jesus? How do you think these gifts were used by Jesus and his family?

Did Jesus deserve these gifts? Why or why not?

Did Jesus need these gifts? Why or why not?

Does Jesus need gifts from you? Does Jesus deserve gifts from you? Why or why not?

What gifts do you have that you can give Jesus?

Read Matthew 25:31-46. What do these verses teach about generosity?

Read verse 40 again. According to this verse, our treatment of others is a gift we give to Jesus.

How would your relationships change if you began thinking of your treatment of others as a gift to Jesus?

How can you treat your spouse and/or children (or parents) generously this week? How can you treat your co-workers generously this week? How can you treat your friends generously this week? How can you treat your neighbors generously this week?

How can you treat your enemies generously this week?

All I Want For Christmas: Contentment (Matthew 2)

What are you searching for in life?

Read Matthew 2:1-12. What was everyone searching for?

How do people search for God today?

What can you do to help people find God?

Why did the Wise Men want to find Jesus?

Why did Herod want to find Jesus?

When was the last time you searched for someone so you could give them something?

When was the last time you searched for someone so you could honor them?

When was the last time you searched for someone so you could get something from them?

Do most people search for God so they can give something to Him or so they can get something from Him? Give examples if you can.

How does giving help develop contentment?

What do you have that you can give to God? What does it mean to give your trust to God?

Read Philippians 4:11-13. How did Paul give his trust to God?

Read Philippians 4:19. Does this promise encourage you to trust God? Why or why not?

What can you give away to God or to others this week?

What will you do this week to cultivate more contentment in your life?