Summary
Blake Holmes walked through Colossians 2:6-23 and showed the four dead ends to spiritual growth that Paul wanted the church at Colossae to avoid. These are the four dead ends: worldly philosophy (any system that denies the supremacy and sufficiency of Christ), legalism (any attempt to earn God's favor), mysticism (religious experiences that are based on emotion, and reserved for only a select few), and asceticism (any attempt to earn God's favor through an extreme form of self-denial or punishment).
Discussion Questions
Where do you see worldly philosophy being preached to you in your day-to-day life? How does this worldly philosophy affect how you walk with Jesus?
Legalism is any attempt to earn God's favor. In what area of your life have you been trying to earn God’s favor?
How would your relationship with Christ be different if you fully trusted that nothing you can do can make God love you more?
Read 2 Peter 1:3. Blake read a quote from Eugene Peterson who described faith as a “long obedience in the same direction.” Share with your group where you are prone to believe that the next experience, that certain amount of biblical knowledge, or that certain amount of faithfulness will lead to fulfillment in your life. How does 2 Peter 1:3 change the way you view your faith and how you walk with the Lord?
Does anyone in your group need help figuring out the way through the maze and avoiding spiritual dead ends? You can jump in on the many equipping opportunities around Watermark.