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THIS WEEK:
From the Sermon: Colossians 3:12-17
Preacher: Pastor Jon Needham
Scripture: Colossians 3:12-17
MAIN POINTS: 1)Who We Are, 2) How We Live, and 3) What Sustains Us
Last week we discussed who we used to be, and this week we looked at who we are now because of the Gospel. Paul reminds us that we are chosen by God and that he loved us before the world was created. We are called to treat others the way God treats us - with compassion, kindness, humility, meekness and patience. The only way we can do this is by trusting in Christ for our salvation, being washed with his Word, and remaining faithful to gather with his people.
Family Discussion Questions:
1. What’s something that surprised or confused you about this Bible passage?
2. What are you most prone to forget about who you are in Christ?
3. How have you benefited from, or been the recipient of, Christians being obedient to Colossians 3:12-14?
4. What are the different ways in which the Word and the gathering of God’s people in corporate worship sustain us?
5. How can your family or group pray for you as you strive to live a life more like Christ?
Parent Tip:
· Read the sermon summary together as a family. Build this into your normal routine, perhaps reading together around the table during a meal.
· There are five questions, each with a different theme. You can choose one night a week to go over all five, do a couple questions a few times a week, or discuss one question per day.
· Each question is meant to be a conversation starter. Model for your children how to answer these questions by sharing your own personal insights.
· Even if your conversations don’t go as planned, don’t be discouraged. ALL time spent talking about and reading God’s word is valuable!
· The more consistent you are in having these discussions, the more fruitful they will be. As this becomes part of your weekly rhythm, your kids will anticipate the questions and listen more attentively at church.
Other Scriptures:
- Exodus 20:2
- John 5:39-40; 15:16
- Acts 13:48
- Romans 8:29a
- Ephesians 1:4b-5a
- Hebrews 10:24-25
Parent Tip:
Use these additional scriptures as daily reading. These are also a great way to help your children learn to locate passages in the Bible.
Attribute of God:
PATIENT: The Lord is long suffering as he waits to extend his final judgment upon humanity. As our loving Father, he repeatedly reminds us of his love and faithfulness even in the midst of our sin.
Parent Tip:
We focus on a new attribute of God each week to discuss as a family. Use this time to discuss who God is, answer questions the kids
might have, and talk about what that week’s attribute means to each person in your family.
Prayer Focus:
YOUR CHOICE: Choose a topic to pray about this week.
Parent Tip:
Each week of the month has its own prayer theme: Church, Family, Community and Repentance. Use these themes to show your children how to pray. It can be helpful to add this to an already existing routine like at bedtime or when you’re in the car together.
THIS MONTH:
Amazing Grace
Amazing grace!
How sweet the sound
That saved a wretch like me!
I once was lost, but now am found;
Was blind, but now I see.
‘Twas grace that taught my heart to
fear,
And grace my fears relieved;
How precious did that grace appear
The hour I first believed.
Through many dangers,
toils and snares,
I have already come;
‘Tis grace hath brought me safe thus
far,
And grace will lead me home.
When we’ve been there ten
thousand years,
Bright shining as the sun,
We’ve no less days to sing God’s
praise
Than when we’d first begun.
Parent Tip:
Each month we highlight a different song for you to sing together. Singing is an integral part of worship! Singing as a family helps teach the kids how to worship at church, and as they learn more songs, they will be able to participate more on Sunday mornings. You can practice your songs in the car, at the dinner table, when you wake up, or at bedtime! You can also check out our playlist on Spotify and sing along with your favorite worship songs.
Memory Verse:
Galatians 5:22-23
“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy,
peace, patience, kindness, goodness,
faithfulness, gentleness, self-control;
against such things there is no law.’”
Parent Tip:
This is the same memory verse that the whole church is learning and it rotates monthly. Practice reciting it as a family each day at least once. Dinner time is a great opportunity to practice together.
New City Catechism:
Questions 19: Is there any way to escape punishment and be brought back into God’s favor?
Answer: Yes, God reconciles us to himself by a Redeemer.
