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We are Advancing. Propelled by gratitude, expectation, spiritual practice, & humble unity.

Colossians 3:1–15 (NLT) - 1 Since you have been raised to new life with Christ, set your sights on the realities of heaven, where Christ sits in the place of honor at God’s right hand. 2 Think about the things of heaven, not the things of earth. 3 For you died to this life, and your real life is hidden with Christ in God. 4 And when Christ, who is your life, is revealed to the whole world, you will share in all his glory. 5 So put to death the sinful, earthly things lurking within you. Have nothing to do with sexual immorality, impurity, lust, and evil desires. Don’t be greedy, for a greedy person is an idolater, worshiping the things of this world. 6 Because of these sins, the anger of God is coming. 7 You used to do these things when your life was still part of this world. 8 But now is the time to get rid of anger, rage, malicious behavior, slander, and dirty language. 9 Don’t lie to each other, for you have stripped off your old sinful nature and all its wicked deeds. 10 Put on your new nature, and be renewed as you learn to know your Creator and become like him. 11 In this new life, it doesn’t matter if you are a Jew or a Gentile, circumcised or uncircumcised, barbaric, uncivilized, slave, or free. Christ is all that matters, and he lives in all of us. 12 Since God chose you to be the holy people he loves, you must clothe yourselves with tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. 13 Make allowance for each other’s faults, and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others. 14 Above all, clothe yourselves with love, which binds us all together in perfect harmony. 15 And let the peace that comes from Christ rule in your hearts. For as members of one body you are called to live in peace. And always be thankful.

We cannot advance apart from Christ’s body.

HOW CAN WE CULTIVATE A SOCIAL DYNAMIC IN GROUPS THAT ALLOWS FOR DEPTH OF CONNECTIONS AND RICH RELATIONSHIPS?

• Be kind and tenderhearted

• Be honest and gentle

• Be humble and hold to God-honoring standard

• Be brave as you confess your faults

• Be present, bearing each other’s burdens

• Be patient and quick with mercy

• Be forgiving without shade or shame

We are Advancing. Propelled by gratitude, expectation, spiritual practice, & humble unity.

Talk it Over (with friends, a spouse, or connect group)

• Read Colossians 3:1-15. What do you notice in this passage?
• Sunday’s message was about advancing in a Christian life. Did anything stand out to you or raise a question?
• What image or picture does the phrase “hidden in Christ” bring to your mind?
• What makes a good friendship?
• It’s been said, “God cannot change the person you pretend to be, only the person you truly are.” What keeps us from being honest with ourselves and others? How can we cultivate honesty among ourselves?
• Say the following prayer slowly as a group: Father, You have chosen to reveal your love to humanity. We long to respond with our love and loyalty. Jesus, may we choose to be hidden in Your righteousness and not seen in our self-righteousness. Holy Spirit, help us to advance in holy living. Grace us to move beyond our old patterns of living and walk into the newness of life. Amen.