Grow Group Questions-In Him-Feb.14, 2021

Download PDFDownload Word GROW GROUP QUESTIONS In Him – Colossians 2:16-23  –  February 14, 2021 Conversation Starter/Questions (10 minutes) What is a favorite family tradition that is important to you and why? Sermon Based Questions (15-20 minutes) Here are the two definitions that Pastor David gave us for Legalism:
Treating biblical standards of conduct as regulations to be kept by our own power in order to earn God’s favor. (In this case, we use our own power to make ourselves moral by puffing ourselves up with knowledge and rules to follow.)  Creating specific requirements of conduct beyond the teaching of Scripture and making them standards for all Christians to be Holy in how they live out their faith. (In this case, we use our own power to try to make others more moral, usually like we think we are, by forcing it on others usually by condemning them, shaming them, or outright calling them sinners if they don’t what we do the way we do.)
1. What do you think about these definitions? Is there anything you disagree with?
What stands out to you about each one?
Can you think of examples of each of these that you have seen in the church world? Or did you see any of these in your home (if you grew up in a Christian home)?
2. Read Colossians 2:16-23 as a review:
How do we discern the difference between man-made legalism and God’s commands for us found in scripture?
In verses 16-17 and 20-23. What does it mean that these traditions are a shadow of Christ.
What does it mean to live IN HIM (in Christ) versus living in the shadow? 
How does “humility’ as a theme in these verses impact how we live this?
3. Paul was writing these verses to tell the church to not let others judge them or condemn them in legalism. He wanted them to be free from the rules, that are not commanded by God, that other people were putting on them. 
Do you have people in your life that are possibly burdening you with the yoke of legalism? What are some of those things?
How can you, in your walk with Jesus, help keep yourself from being held under that legalism?
Digging Deeper (20-25 minutes) 1. Read Luke 18:9-14
How does this story illustrate legalism versus healthy Christian thinking in regards to how we think of ourselves, interact with others, and respond to God?
Why do you think we are drawn to legalism?
  2. The truth is we will have differences in regards to our faith, interpretation of scriptures, and how to apply certain things to our lives. Read Romans 14:1-5, 17-20. 
What is this scripture calling us to as we live in fellowship in the body of Christ?
How does this guide us for how to respond to others when we disagree with them on matters of conscience or tradition?
How do you struggle with living out this scripture?
How do you feel God is calling you to think or live differently because of these verses and the message this week?
Challenge and Prayer (10-15 minutes) For Prayer Time, let’s ask the questions Pastor David asked us to considers Sunday:
Where have you added to what Jesus did? Or maybe fallen into the same trap of some of these or the Pharisees of Jesus’ day.  Do you need to confess to God those things you have elevated above him? Do you need to confess to God that maybe you have judged and condemned your brothers and sisters for not following traditions you elevated higher than Jesus did?
The post Grow Group Questions-In Him-Feb.14, 2021 appeared first on Bethany Church - La Crosse, WI.