This week, Pastor Brad continues the series ‘The Gospel and Culture’ with a message titled ‘The Gospel and Culture Pt. 3’ base on Colossians 2:8-15.

1. Apprehend hostage-takers before they cause harm [Colossians 2:8-15]
a) Beware hostage-takers [2:8]
b) Storm hostage-takers with the truth [2:9-15]

2. Acquire a good Security Guard [Colossians 2:6-7]
a) Check credentials [2:6a]
b) Keep close for safety [2:6b-7]

Point: Trust the Security Guard to save you from hostage-takers.

ICEBREAKER: What makes you feel old when you think about it?

1. What does it look like for a believer in the Lord Jesus Christ to obey the command to “walk in Him” [Colossians 2:6]? How do the 3-word pictures in Colossians 2:7 (“rooted…built up…established…”) help explain the command of 2:6? Also, consult Ephesians 5:15-21; Colossians 1:9-10; and 1 Thessalonians 4:1-7.

2. Two kinds of philosophies are contrasted in Colossians 2:8. What are they, how do they differ, and what difference do they make in how people live [cf. 1 Corinthians 1:18-25; 1 Corinthians 3:18-20; and Galatians 4:8-11]?

3. What evidence can you provide indicating that, in Jesus, “the whole fullness of deity dwells bodily” [Colossians 2:9]? Why does this matter [cf. Mark 4:35-41; Luke 5:17-26; and Romans 1:3-4]?

4. How is salvation portrayed in Colossians 2:13? According to this verse, who initiated salvation? What blessings flow to those who believe in Jesus [cf. Psalm 103:8-18; 2 Corinthians 5:14-15; and Ephesians 2:4-7]?

5. What did Jesus accomplish for us when He died on the cross according to Colossians 2:14? What difference does it make [cf. Acts 3:18-21; Ephesians 2:11-22; and 1 Peter 2:24-25]?

6. A glimpse into the unseen spiritual realm is given to us in Colossians 2:15. Who are the ones identified in this text, what happened, and what was the result that brings you encouragement today [cf. Genesis 3:15; 1 Corinthians 15:24-28; and Hebrews 2:14-15]?

7. What did you find helpful or challenging about this Sunday’s message?

“The man or woman who does
not know God demands an
infinite satisfaction from
other human beings which they
cannot give, and in the case
of the man, he becomes
tyrannical and cruel.
It springs from this one thing,
the human heart must
have satisfaction, but there is
only one Being who can satisfy
the last abyss of the human heart,
and that is the Lord Jesus Christ.”
Oswald Chambers