CONNECT: What is one way this week that you can grow in your recognition and enjoy the reality of Jesusʼ greatness?

WARM-UP

1. What are the ʻgood news storiesʼ that we can sometimes see in this world? How do these compare to the Gospel?

Read Colossians 1:24-29

1. Is there anything lacking in Jesusʼ work on the cross for our salvation? Why or why not?
2. What does Paul mean when he refers to his own suffering in V24?
3. In what ways have you personally experienced suffering or hardship for proclaiming Jesus? Who is with us even amongst these trials? How is this good news?
4. In what way is Paul presenting the word? What is the mystery that it contains?
5. How is Christ ʻin usʼ? Where in your week do you need this reminder that God is with and in you? How could you remind yourself of this?
6. What does it mean for us to be mature in Christ? What does Paul do to encourage the Colossians in maturity? How can we grow in our maturity in Christ?

Read Colossians 2:1-5

1. Who is at the centre of Paulʼs ministry? Who should be at the centre of our lives and how we live on our frontlines? How could make him the centre of all we do?
2. In what ways do you find it difficult to live for Jesus on your frontlines?
3. Are there opportunities to proclaim Jesus on your frontlines? How could you take them up in the knowledge that God is with you?
4. What were some of the ʻfine-soundingʼ arguments of the first century? What are some of the arguments of today that could distract us from Jesus?

APPLY: What next steps could you take to go deeper in your maturity in Jesus? Who could you ask to keep you accountable to this?

On Your Frontline This Week: This is the perfect window of invitation for Alpha - starting May 9. Who are you going to invite this week?

Listen, Watch, and Read:          

• Listen: “Buried and Made Alive with Him” by Peter Adam: https://www.st-helens.org.uk/resources/talk/53330/audio/
• Listen: The Suffering Servant and the hope of glory” by Simon Gillham: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ykjBLWYL9Pw
• Listen: “A global spirituality on offer to all” by William Taylor: https://www.st-helens.org.uk/resources/talk/56891/
• Listen: “Presenting Everyone Mature in Christ” by Alistair Begg: https://www.truthforlife.org/resources/sermon/welcome-and-main-session/
• Read: “Suffering, Perseverance and Godʼs Infallible Plan” by Richard Chin

SERIES Resources:

• Read: St Bart’s Colossians Series Overview
• Book: NIV Scripture Journal for Colossians
• Book: “Paul for Everyone: The Prison Letters” by Tom Wright
• Commentary: “Colossians” by Michael Bird (eBook)
• Video: “Letter to the Colossians” by N. T. Wright
• Video: Bible Project Overview of Colossians
• Course: (Paid) “Paul and his Letter to the Colossians” on Udemy