This Sunday Pastor Greg continues through his series on the book of Colossians. In chapter 2 Paul warns his readers of three people to watch out for. Join us in-person or online beginning at 10:30!
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Three people to watch out for…
1) Those who __________________. (vs. 16-17)
Judgers will try to rule you by…
- Their standards (vs. 16)
- Their truths (vs. 17a)
- Their realities (vs. 17b)
“Don’t pick on people, jump on their failures, criticize their faults—unless, of course, you want the same treatment. That critical spirit has a way of boomeranging. It’s easy to see a smudge on your neighbor’s face and be oblivious to the ugly sneer on your own. Do you have the nerve to say, ‘Let me wash your face for you,’ when your own face is distorted by contempt? It’s this whole traveling road-show mentality all over again, playing a holier-than-thou part instead of just living your part. Wipe that ugly sneer off your own face, and you might be fit to offer a washcloth to your neighbor.”
– Matthew 7:1-5 (MSG)
2) Those who are ______________________. (vs. 18-19)
- They will attract you to arrogance (vs. 18a)
- They will manipulate you (vs. 18b)
- They will lead you astray (vs. 19)
“…For all those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.” – Luke 14:7-11
3) Those who are ____________________. (vs. 20-23)
- “My way or the highway” (vs. 20-21)
- “Do what makes you happy” (vs. 22)
- “If it doesn’t hurt anyone it’s okay” (vs. 23)
“…I have given them your word and the world has hated them, for they are not of the world any more than I am of the world. My prayer is not that you take them out of the world but that you protect them from the evil one…”
– John 17:13-19
Digging Deeper
Q1: What is so attractive about rule-keeping? Why do you think it is so ingrained in us?
Q2: Share a story about a time you felt judged for your faith or judged for not living up to someone else’s standards.
Q3: Which of the two traps mentioned in verses 2:18-19 do you think you are more in danger of being attracted to?
Q4: Read Matthew 5:17-19. How did Jesus understand His relationship to the law?
Q5: Read 2 Corinthians 3:17-18. Do you really expect God to change people you know and love through the gospel? What does this passage say to you about that?
Q6: Read Galatians 5:1. Have you ever come close to being “burdened again by a yoke of slavery,” and losing your gospel freedom? How did this happen? What lessons can you draw from this experience?