Home Group Study Questions // September 14th

Planted Session 2: Signs of a Maturing Church

 

Colossians 1:28 — “Him we proclaim, warning everyone and teaching everyone with all wisdom, that we may present everyone mature in Christ.”

[Read Colossians 1:24-29]

  1. In verse 24, the Apostle Paul is establishing his authority and credibility with the church at Colosse, because he had never met them personally. Why would this have been important for this new and growing church? Why should this be important for the church today?
  2. What do we learn about Paul’s attitude and outlook on suffering for the sake of Christ and His Church in verse 25? What does Paul say about suffering? Why?
  3. In verse 25, Paul describes his ministry as a ‘stewardship’ given to him by God. What does this mean? Why is faithfulness so important when stewarding what God has given us?
  4. The term ministry/minister in our Scripture text could be defined as ‘servant’ in God’s Kingdom. Are we all ministers in God’s church? Have we elevated the term minister to mean only pastor or priest? What do you picture when you hear the word minister?
  5. In verse 28, the Apostle Paul speaks of warning and teaching all people with all wisdom. What was he speaking to? Why is it so important to warn and teach with wisdom? [Hint: Paul was proclaiming the gospel to the Gentiles (v.26-27) and speaking here about the mystery of the Gentiles being grafted into the promised salvation of Israel]
  6. What does ‘we would present everyone mature in Christ’ mean? (v.28) What did Paul do to make this effort? (v.29)
  7. What about us?  Are we ‘toiling’ like Paul? What do you think he means by this? What power are we given to possess to have this energy, strength, and boldness?  
  8. How might these verses encourage you to share the love and the grace of Jesus with others?