The Mid-Week Update

Lesson Recap

 ADVANCING IN CHRISTIAN LIVING

Be Faithful

Colossians 3:18-4:18

People take vacations to get away from the daily grind of life.  We need time-outs because life gets tiring.  Would you say the Christian life is exhausting at times?  And there are no provisions given for vacations in the Christian life.  So what are we to do-be faithful.

What does it mean to be faithful?  How does a person develop faithfulness?  Dependable, steadfast, and dedicated are just a few synonyms for faithfulness.  What can you come up with?

Live for the Lord 3:23-4:1

(Verses 18-21 right above this passage in the bible are instructions on how to relate to one another.) As believers, why should we not think of work as being divided into categories of sacred and secular?  A few weeks ago the comment was made suggesting that the calling of a Pastor is no more spiritual than a believer deciding on a new job or occupation.

How does Paul address the topic of favoritism?  We see favoritism in action today in things like gender, race, social status, etc.  What are the negative affects of favoritism?

Live Wisely 4: 2-6

Look at the six action Paul called for:

1. Be a praying person alertly (being vigilant would guard against routine, thoughtless prayers) with thanks (thanking God for His answer before He answered).
2. Pray for Paul's evangelic ministry (open doors, clear proclamation).
3. Act wisely-toward unbelievers
4. Make the most of the time.
5. Speak graciously.
6. Season speech with salt.

Why do you think Paul instructed us to act wisely around unbelievers?


Live With Faithfulness 4: 7-9
Paul describes Tychicus and Onesimus as faithful.  How did these two men demonstrate their faithfulness?  What are some concrete examples of how faithfulness is noticed and demonstrated in a Christians' life?

Live With Concern 4: 10-13, 17
Each of these men faithfully contributed to the work of God, but in a variety of ways.  What example did these men have on the church in Colossae & us?  Why is it important for believers to pay attention or deliberately focus on the task/ministry God has given us-but first-what ministry has God given non-preacher type Christians?

Conclusion: This week I will evaluate my faithfulness as a Christian.

Quote of the Week

 “The chief reason why people do not know God is not because He hides from them, but because they hide from Him.” - John Stott

Snacks

• 7/8  Meinhardt
• 7/15 Stanfield
• 7/22 Stubbs
• 7/29 OPEN

Prayer Requests

•  Pray for Terresa that she has safe travels both to and from Virginia.  She leaves tomorrow. 
• Kevin has shingles.  Please pray for a speedy recovery.