WELCOME ICEBREAKER

What was your favourite animal at the zoo as a child? What is it now?

WORSHIP

If possible choose songs that deal with our identity in Christ.

WORD

Passion can be described as an intense desire or enthusiasm for something. Paul had come to learn from pastor Epaphras, of the church at Colosse, that certain members were undermining the leadership and the message of Christ. They were trying to convince them that Jesus was just another spiritual being and that they had superior knowledge, which would ultimately save them. Paul knew that if they were taken captive by this reasoning their passion for God would be squelched and as a result every area of their life negatively affected. So following Epaphras’ visit to Paul in prison, Paul sends a letter back to be read to the church.

As a group read through Colossians chapter one.  Before reading the chapter ask if anyone if your group has a Bible that gives an introduction or background to the book. Have them read this first.

Discussion questions:

• How does Paul affirm the members of this church? Why does he do this in the opening of this address? What can we learn from Paul’s approach here?
• How does he affirm Epaphras?
• If you want to build someone up, encourage him or her, cheer him or her on, what do you say? How do you affirm your spouse, roommate, children, co-workers, and home group members?
• How can we genuinely affirm each other’s faith in our group and in doing so stir up their passion for God?
• How does Paul’s prayer for these people compare to the way you pray for your loved ones? What can you learn from Paul’s prayers?
• Who do you have in your life that regularly prays for you? Does it affect your passion for God?
• In verse 13 Paul reminds them that they no longer citizens of the kingdom of darkness but have been translated into the kingdom of the Son of His love.
• Ask if anyone in your group has recently got a Canadian passport. What was the process to get it? Where they excited to become a Canadian? What new privileges did they have here? What responsibilities were they given as new citizens?
• What process do we have to go through to get a heavenly passport? How was it paid for?
• What would you say is our responsibility as citizens of our new spiritual kingdom?

WORK

Pray for the needs of those in your group. Pray for the new home groups that are starting.