Four Signs of a Spiritual Life | Colossians 1:3-14

Summary

In Colossians 1:3-14, Paul and Timothy highlight how the Colossians first placed their faith in Christ; and, after the Colossians came to know Christ, their faith in Him consequently became love for others. Before we get to the “doing” of the Christian life, we must understand what Christ has already done. This knowledge of Christ isn’t something Christians can ever outgrow. Instead of outgrowing the gospel, we grow in Him.

Key Takeaways

• Christianity is both an event and a process. (Colossians 1:3-8, 12)
• There is a relationship between information and action. (Colossians 1:9)
• Colossians 1 presents 4 signs of a spiritual life. (Colossians 1:10-14)
  • Fruitful work
  • Increasing knowledge of God
  • Empowered endurance
  • Joyful gratitude
    

Discussing and Applying The Sermon

• How often do you reflect on what Christ has already done for you? Does this truth practically impact your day-to-day life, identity, and actions? Explain.
• Would your neighbors, co-workers, classmates or friends say that you’re marked by the love of Christ? Why or why not?
• As Ben encouraged us to do, reflect on last week. Did you do anything good? Anything that wasn’t directly tied to benefiting yourself? Are you doing “good work?” Describe.
• Are you continuing to grow in your knowledge of Christ? In what subjects are you encouraged by your knowledge of Him? In what subjects would you like to increase in knowledge? Spend some time asking the Spirit to deepen your knowledge of God.
• Are the signs of spiritual life evident in your life? How do you know?