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1. DO YOU REALLY UNDERSTAND GRACE?

Read Colossians 1:3–6

Paul says the gospel was bearing fruit in the lives of the Colossians because they had “truly understood God’s grace.” The sermon challenged us to stop treating God’s grace like layaway or credit, as if we have to make enough payments, perform well enough, or clean ourselves up enough to finally deserve it. In our creed, it says, “I am loved by God. I cannot earn it, and I cannot lose it.” Grace is a gift that Jesus already purchased for us.

 

Question:

Where do you find yourself trying to “earn” God’s grace or prove that you’re worthy of it? What would it look like for you to actually receive grace as a gift this week?

 

2. WHAT ARE YOU STILL CARRYING THAT JESUS ALREADY NAILED TO THE CROSS?

Read Colossians 2:13–14

The cross is where our sin and the blood of Jesus meet. The sermon reminded us that the blood of Jesus always wins, our sin is not more powerful than what Jesus accomplished on the cross. We all have things we wish we hadn't done, things we should have said differently, and battles we're still facing. But Jesus didn't come because we had it all together. He came to make dead people alive.

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What is something from your past or present that you know Jesus has forgiven, but you’re still carrying as if you need to pay for it yourself?

 

3. ARE YOU LISTENING TO THE ACCUSER OR TO JESUS?

Read Colossians 1:21–22 & Revelation 12:10

The enemy is called “the accuser,” and the sermon described him as constantly reminding us of our failures, our mistakes, and the places where we don't measure up. That accusation can make us hide; from God, from community, and even from asking for help. But Colossians says that through Jesus, we are “free from accusation.” That doesn't mean we never messed up; it means our mistakes don't have the final word over our identity.

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What accusation or lie tends to get the loudest in your mind, and what truth about Jesus do you need to remind yourself of when that voice starts “yapping”?

 

4. DON'T DRIFT FROM THE HOPE

Read Colossians 1:22–23 MSG

Paul gives us a warning: don't move away from the hope held out in the gospel. The sermon made an important distinction—it's possible to belong to Jesus and still drift from the hope found in His finished work. Distraction, shame, disappointment, sin, and life circumstances can slowly pull us away from trusting what Jesus has already done. Paul tells us to stay grounded, steady, and constantly tuned in to the gospel.

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What has the potential to distract or pull you away from the hope you have in Jesus right now, and what is one intentional step you can take to stay grounded in the gospel?

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