Continue in Thanksgiving

Thankfulness is not something that we only practice on Thanksgiving, it is something that we are called to do at all times. This standalone message focuses on Colossians 3:15-17 and how thankfulness comes by letting the peace of Christ rule in our hearts, by letting the word of Christ dwell among us, and comes when we honor Christ in our lives.

SERMON OUTLINE

1. Thankfulness Comes by Letting the Peace of Christ Rule in Our Hearts (Colossians 3:15; John 14:1-3, 27)

2. Thankfulness Comes by Letting the Word of Christ Dwell Among Us (Colossians 3:16; 2 Corinthians 5:17; Proverbs 3:5-6)

3. Thankfulness Comes When the Name of Christ is Honored in Our Lives (Colossians 3:17; Philippians 2:12-13)

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

Open Up:

1. What is your favorite food to eat as leftovers (either from Thanksgiving or in general)?
2. What was the first Bible verse you remember learning?

Dig In:

1. Colossians 3:15-17 is part of much bigger section. Read all of chapter 3 to help you understand the context for this segment. Then reread vss.1-4 and vss. 12-17. These are describing the “new clothes” we should wear as God’s holy people.
2. Read 3:15. Think of all the problems an umpire or referee prevents. How do you think the peace of Christ functions like a referee in our lives?
3. In what situations do you need more of the peace of Christ to show up in your life? What can help make this happen for you?
4. Verse 16 describes several actions we need apply the truths of Christ towards…teaching, admonishing (correcting) one another, and singing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs to God. How do you think the Truth of Christ should show up in each of them?
   1. Teaching: _______________________________________________
   2. Correcting One Another: _______________________________________
   3. Singing to God:_________________________________________________
5. Which of these areas has it been easiest for you to apply scripture to? The hardest?
6. What do you think it means to do everything in the name of Jesus?
7. What growth have you seen in your ability to exhibit these three commands in your life this past year?
   1. Letting the Peace of Christ Rule _____________________________________
   2. Letting the Word of Christ Dwell ____________________________________
   3. Letting the Name of Christ be Honored in All we Say or Do ________________
8. What are the biggest challenges you face with each of these areas?
   1. Letting the Peace of Christ Rule _____________________________________
   2. Letting the Word of Christ Dwell ____________________________________
   3. Letting the Name of Christ be Honored in All we Say or Do ________________

Live it Out:

1. What truths/promises of Christ do you need to memorize this week to bring more of the Peace of Christ into your life?
2. How will express your gratitude to God this week?