Small group questions.
Use these with your small group or on your own this week.
Connection
- What do you remember most from last week’s sermon?
- How did you hear God’s voice or sense His presence this past week?
- When is the right time to start listening to Christmas music?
Reflection
- Summarize this week’s sermon in one to three sentences. What was the main point of the message?
- What did the message say about you, God’s people or the world?
Application
- Read Colossians 3:1–4 and Matthew 6:19–21. Living with eternity in mind: Pastor Ryan challenged us to stop looking down at the temporary things of this world and start looking up toward eternity. When you consider how you spend your time, energy, and money, what do those priorities reveal about what matters most to you? What is one area of your life that might look different if you were more focused on eternity?
- Read Colossians 3:2 and Romans 12:1–2. Changing the way we think: In the sermon, Pastor Ryan explained how changing what we focus our minds on can change how we experience and respond to life. What thoughts, worries, distractions, or worldly ambitions tend to dominate your thinking? What practical changes could help you focus more consistently on Christ?
- Read Colossians 3:5–9. Leaving behind the old life: Paul tells Christians to put sinful behaviors to death, including both private struggles and the ways we mistreat others. Which of the behaviors Paul mentions do you find most challenging in your own life? What is one practical step you could take this week to begin leaving that behavior behind?
- Read Colossians 3:9–10 and 2 Corinthians 5:17. Becoming more like Jesus: Pastor Ryan reminded us that following Jesus isn’t about becoming perfect overnight, but about continually being renewed and becoming more like Him. Looking back over your relationship with Christ, where have you seen the greatest transformation in your character? Where do you believe God is still working to change you?
- Read Colossians 3:10–11. Your best days aren’t behind you: Pastor Ryan closed the sermon by reminding us that we’re never too old, too far gone, or too late to become more like Jesus. Regardless of your age or circumstances, how do you envision continuing to grow in Christ over the next five or ten years? What might be holding you back from believing that your most meaningful years of following Jesus could still be ahead of you?
