We get the opportunity to love how God loves.
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SERMON NOTES:
Celebrating God’s Love
Colossians 3:12-14
We Get the Opportunity to Love How God Loves.
We are Holy and Beloved (Colossians 3:12)
Suffer With One Another (Colossians 3:13)
Love One Another (Colossians 3:14)
study questions:
Study Questions
Colossians 3:12-14
1. Read verse 12. What are the five things Paul tells the Christians in Colossae to put on, and what does each of them mean? Take the time to think of an example of what each trait looks like in a relationship. Which one of these is hardest for you to put on and which one is easiest? Why do you think some are harder or easier? Note that Paul tells the people that they are holy and beloved, not that they should become holy and beloved. Why does this distinction matter?
2. Read verse 13. Do you normally handle conflict how Paul encourages us in verse 13? Why or why not? Do you think that remembering daily how Christ has forgiven us would help you to do a better job at this, and if so how can we practically do that in our lives? Why are bearing and forgiving necessary if you want to put on the five relational traits Paul listed in verse 12?
3. Read verse 14. What is the most important trait to put on in relationships? Read 1 Corinthians 13:4-7 and 1 John 15:13. Based on these passages develop a personal definition of love in one sentence or less. How does love bind together everything listed in verses 12-13? Why is love the most important trait of godly relationships?
4. So what. How have you seen the qualities listed in this passage bless your relationships? How have you seen the absence of these qualities hurt your relationships? Of all the relational qualities listed in these verses, in which area would you like to grow most? What can you do to grow in this area?