Resist The Urge To Compartmentalise

1- Struggling

What is so remarkable about the verb Paul uses, bearing in mind

• the people he is applying it to

• the method of his struggle?

How do we primarily struggle on behalf of others?

How should we?

Which others?

2- Chain reaction

Heart Step 1a. Be encouraged in heart; 1b. United in love. This leads to…

Mind Step 2. The full riches of complete understanding. Which leads to…

Spirit Step 3. Knowing Christ = the mystery of God (see 1:26,27).

The Bible often seems to put thinking ahead of feeling, and suggests that the mind should govern the heart (Romans 12:1,2). But here it seems to be that we win people over to Christ by encouragement and loving unity, then understanding, then relationship with the Saviour.

• In what sense does complete understanding make us rich?

3. Wisdom

Read Proverbs 8:22-31 and John 1:1-14. There is no wisdom outside of Christ- He is the Word of Truth

• Why would God want wisdom to be hidden in Christ?

• How and why do humans prefer to look for wisdom elsewhere?

4- Rhetoric

Some lies can sound like truth. Indeed, in Macbeth Banquo says, “Oftentimes to win us to our harm,/The instruments of darkness tell us truths,/Win us with honest trifles, to betray us/In deepest consequence.” 2 Corinthians 11:14 says that “Satan himself masquerades as an angel of light.” Obviously, the most dangerous lies are the ones that are the most persuasive, and the ones that contain elements of truth.

• What do you think the Colossians were being whispered?

• What kind of lies are we most susceptible to?

• Alan Morrison said, “If I was the devil, I would create something that was even more Christian-sounding than Christianity itself and make people believe it.” Discuss!

• How can we guard ourselves against fine-sounding arguments (see verses 1-3)?

5- Body and Spirit

• How exactly can you be present in spirit with someone? Isn’t it just a phrase for thinking happy thoughts towards them?

• How might it actually be preferential to be with someone in spirit and not in body?

• What two things make Paul happy? What’s so important about these two qualities and do we have them?

• Do we have the same emotions as Paul about other Christians? Why (not)?

LET US RESIST THE URGE TO COMPARTMENTALISE!

We are Friday night/Sunday Christians. Jesus is not a weekend hobby.

It must not go on.

What can be done? Are we asking the right questions?

HOW CAN WE LOVE HIM & OTHERS MORE? 