Colossians 1:15-20
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This is the seventh week in our series Who Am I?. This sermon is called "Looking to Self: Am I My Creativity?"
Questions and going deeper resources
Small group questions
Connect What is one frontline in which you can model dignity towards and dependence with the other gender?
Warm-Up
- Do you consider yourself to be ‘creative’? Why or why not?
- What is something you are really proud of making?
Read Genesis 1:1-5
- What is the first thing the Bible says that God does? List the type of things God creates in Genesis 1.
- How is God’s creativity and acts of creation unique?
- Share a time when you were in awe of God’s creation. What about creation made you wonder?
- How do we see order, diversity, and purpose in how God creates? In what ways do we reflect God’s creativity?
- Who is the source of our creativity? Why then is creativity for every one, not just some people?
- How do you reflect God’s creativity on your frontlines?
Read Genesis 11:1-9
- What was the purpose of the city and the tower? Why was this construction in opposition to God’s purposes? What was the result?
- Why do you think we are tempted to try to make things to define ourselves?
- Have you ever seen someone create something to make a name for themself? Have you ever done this or tried to do this? How did it go?
- Do you think Christians are immune to the frustrations of creating? Why or why not?
- How does sin frustrate the good things we try to create?
Read Colossians 1:15-20
- How does Jesus relate to creation? What would happen if there was a creation without Jesus?
- When have you seen people create and make for Jesus? When have you done this? What has helped re-orientate your creativity to Jesus?
- How do you think the approach of our creativity also witnesses to Jesus and all that he has done?
- Why is our identity not found in what we make?
- How does creativity connect us to how we are made, how we have been redeemed, and our future?
Apply What are three things you will create or make this week? Try praying and dedicating each to God, and asking for Jesus’ help.
Prayer
Thank you Lord that creativity is not dependent on us - but everyday we get a taste of your good, beautiful creation. Please, by the power of your Spirit, help us each day to orientate all we make and create for you. Amen.
Going deeper resources
On Your Front Line this Week
Who are three people you could invite to join you for the Public Lecture (Friday 26 July)? Register here: stbarts.com.au/publiclecture
For Families
- Download: some of the family resources to use at home: stbartskids.org
Listen, Watch, and Read
- Listen: “Why is our culture so obsessed with Identity?” by Brian Rosner: https://bit.ly/3WaAiMu
- Listen: “If any man is in Christ” by John Stott: https://www.allsouls.org/Media/AllMedia.aspx?show_media=223135&show_file=236574
- Listen: “A Love that Compels” by Pato Oyarzún: https://stebbes.org/sermons/a-love-that-compels/
- Read: “Identity, Story, and Purpose” by John Beckett: https://www.seed.org.au/2020/07/29/identity-story-purpose/
- Listen: A New Creation. by William Taylor: https://www.st-helens.org.uk/resources/talk/7744/
Series Resources
- Book: Brian Rosner, How to Find Yourself. Purchase online: www.stbarts.com.au/product/book-how-to-find-yourself
- Book: Kelly Kapic, You’re Only Human. Purchase online: www.stbarts.com.au/product/book-youre-only-human
- Book: Stephen McAlpine, Futureproof. Purchase online: https://www.stbarts.com.au/product/book-futureproof
- Book: Mike McKinley, Friendship with God. Purchase online: https://www.stbarts.com.au/product/book-friendship-with-god
- Talks by Christianity Today (Audio): Being Human. https://bit.ly/3Lfizxd
