Sermon-Based Questions April 7, 2019 Dave

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Sermon-Based Questions April 7, 2019 Dave Gustavsen

Introduction (choose 1):

Simply Jesus Simply Jesus: The Book of Colossians Carriers of His Mystery, Colossians 4:2-6

1. What has been your experience sharing Christ with others? Or perhaps, what has been your experience when Christ was shared with you? Briefly describe this to the group. 2. Why do you think Christians are often known more for that they are against than what they are for? Understanding (choose 4-6): 3. Read Colossians 4:2-6. • According to the passage and Pastor Dave’s sermon, what two ways can followers of Christ relate to those that don’t believe in Christ? • Any other insights you have when reading this passage? 4. What are some of the differences between inward prayer and outward prayer? • Have you found your prayer life changes when you incorporate both types of prayer? 5. Re-read Colossians 4:3 • What doors is Paul asking God to open here? • Have you ever prayed a similar prayer? What were the results? 6. Re-Read Colossians 4:4. What are the two things Paul is asking God for when speaking his message? 7. Pastor Dave reminded us that life is fragile and to make the most of every opportunity. What are some ways you can make the most of every opportunity in your life when it comes to sharing Jesus? 8. When interacting with others, are you known as someone who is angry, critical, and condemning? Or are you known as a person of grace? 9. Re-read Colossians 4:6. What does it mean to season our speech with salt? Application: 10. Is God asking you to take steps in sharing Him with those around you? • If God has placed something on your heart during Sunday’s message or today’s discussion time, share with the group. • Pray together that we will walk in the confidence of Christ when interacting with others

April 7, 2019 Lectio Divina 1. Opening Prayer: Ask God for insight into His Word, for open hearts and minds, for hunger to know Him better, and for an attitude of learning from one another. 2. Reading: Have someone from your group read the passage aloud. It is best to print out a copy for each group member so they can read along, make notes, or go back as needed. 3. Meditation: Spend an entire minute in complete silence, contemplating what was just read. Feel free to re-read the passage quietly to yourself or jot down thoughts/highlight what stuck out to you. 4. Sharing: At the leader's signal, invite group members to share their insights for about 5 minutes. 5. Repeat: After the 5 minutes are over, repeat the process 2 more times using the same passage. Listen/read like you haven’t heard this passage before. If there are longer moments of silence, the leader can prompt discussion with the following questions: 1. What did you hear and what seems important? 2. What is the Holy Spirit impressing on you? 3. What does it make you think of from your life?

2 Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful. 3 And pray for us, too, that God may open a door for our message, so that we may proclaim the mystery of Christ, for which I am in chains. 4 Pray that I may proclaim it clearly, as I should. -Colossians 4:2-4

5 Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity. 6 Let your conversations be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone. -Colossians 4:5-6

19 Jesus came and stood among them and said to them, “Peace be with you.” 20 When he had said this, he showed them his hands and his side. Then the disciples were glad when they saw the Lord. 21 Jesus said to them again, “Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, even so I am sending you. 22 And when he had said this, he breathed on them and said to them, “Receive the Holy Spirit”. -John 20:19b-22