Latest sermons from Northwest Gospel Church in Camas, Washington. For more information visit us online at nwgospel.com
1 Thessalonians 1:2-10 | Ben PotloffPastor Ben Potloff opens A Gospel Church series by asking what symptoms reveal genuine gospel transformation. Preaching from 1 Thessalonians 1:2-10, he shows that faith, love, and hope resound from a gospel-gripped community. Paul praised God for the Thessalonians because their faith worked, their love labored, and their hope endured through affliction. Through the power of the Holy Spirit, the gospel had taken root, producing repentance, new life, and joyful perseverance. Like the Thessalonians, we are called to turn from idols, serve the living and true God, and wait with assurance for the return of Christ. True gospel transformation is seen in steadfast faith, loving service, and unshakeable hope.
Zechariah 9:9-13 | Max Janusch | "Behold, your king is coming to you; righteous and having salvation is he, humble and mounted on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey" (v. 9b). Jesus' triumphal entry into Jerusalem is recorded in all four Gospels, and two gospel writers, Matthew and John, go so ffar as to cite a particular Old Testament passage an connect it with this moment. In Zechariah 9:9-13, God promises his people that their king is coming and that he is bringinations and salvation for Israel. "Rejoice greatly! . . . Shout aloud!"
Joshua 12:1-13:7 | Ben Potloff | Often when we study scripture it is easy to fall into the temptation of wanting to quickly “skip or skim over” the chapters that are made up of lists. These lists could be a list of covenant commandments, a list of family members or as we see in our passage this week, a summarized list of conquered kings. But if we humble ourselves to the study of God's word, we will come to realize the depth and magnitude that these lists can speak to us regarding the character of God our Father.
Joshua 11:1-23 | Ben Potloff | The question before us centers on why we should care about these narratives in Joshua. Aren't they just bedtime stories we read to our children? 1 Corinthians 10:11 tells us why the historical books in both the Old Testament and New Testament are so important. “Now these things happened to them as an example, but they were written down for our instruction.” The narratives that we read are all lessons that we are to learn from those who went before us. As we read about the victories of God's people, our faith is increased knowing that God will do the same for us. He will give us victory over our enemies.
Joshua 10:16--43 | Gavin Hesse | While Israel lived like He had commanded, God took the Israelites' meager force, listened to Joshua and the Israelites, and worked a mighty victory with them. God likes to work with us, even though he does not need us. He holds victory in his hands, but, like a good father, he likes to act with his children. The Lord of the sun and all of creation even bends nature's laws that he put into place at the beginning of the universe's natural processes. He is not limited by the time set for a day, but he can, if he wishes, lengthen or shorten them. The Lord lengthened the day to punish the kings of Canaan's evils, but he shortened the time of the sun's shining when he punished his son in our place. Adoni-Zedek and his coalition could be defeated by spears and hail, but human sin needed a more personal touch to plunge sin's darkness into the sea of Christ's light.
Joshua 10:1-15 | Mike Clarensau | One thing to keep in mind as we read through Joshua is that the Lord is carrying out his judgment on the people in the land. Sometimes God uses man as his sword, but he is more than capable of carrying out his offensives without us. The focus of this passage is not on the martial might of Israel calling in the heavenly artillery by summoning a deity to fight for them. The Lord himself throws hailstones down on the Amorites, and most of the fallen were from his hand, not Israel's. Whatever the Amorites did, it must have been pretty bad for God to make fresh stones just for their stoning. His ways are higher, and his knowledge is greater than ours. We must trust His righteousness in that time, also the text itself says that “there has been no day like it before or since, when the Lord heeded the voice of a man, for the Lord fought for Israel.” This makes it clear that ascribing something this clear-cut of God's “smiting” of a people is something that we can't do in our modern context.
Joshua 9:1-27 | Ben Potloff | In Joshua 9 the Nation of Israel continues its conquest of the land of Canaan. They are fresh off victories in Jericho and Ai so the Canaanites know that they have a target on their backs. Therefore they decide to band together as one to fight Joshua and Israel. Enter the Gibeonites (the Hivites). Gibeon was a town about 6 miles northwest of Jerusalem, in modern-day El-Jib. The Gibeonites knew that the Israelites had defeated Jericho and Ai and decided to act cunningly to see if they could get Israel to make a peace treaty (covenant) with them. The Gibeonites became actors in their own play and pretended to come from a foreign land. They had all the right props…moldy bread, worn-out wineskins, patched sandals, and tattered clothing.
Joshua 8:1-35 | Ben Potloff | God often uses our setbacks and failures to teach us to rely on Him more completely. In this chapter, we see Joshua grow as a leader as he learns to walk in deeper dependence upon the LORD. We see God take the very means of their earlier defeat at Ai and turn it into a brilliant strategy for victory. God's plan to deliver his people is back on track. Joshua's position as a leader is strengthened, and Joshua gains a new understanding of God's steadfast mercy and sovereign will.MAIN IDEAGod blesses the obedient and curses the rebel. OUTLINEI. God is faithful and gives His people victory (vv. 1-29)II. God gives His people His Word (vv. 30-35)DISCUSSION QUESTIONS1. Your army just faced its first defeat and one of your soldiers disobeyed a direct order. If you are the leader, how would you be feeling about this? How would you respond to God's instruction in verses 1-2 ? Would you be doubtful, or hopeful?2. Compare and contrast God's battle plan (v. 2-8) with the one used in the previous attack on Ai (see Joshua 7:3-5). Tell of a time when your first attempt to tackle a problem didn't work out very well; but then you prayed about it, and God showed you a better way.3. How does God “redeem” Joshua's earlier defeat and make it a key element of victory? How have you experienced this in your own life, where God takes something you thought was really bad and turns it into something redemptive?4. Compare God's instructions regarding the plunder of Jericho and Ai (6:18-19 vs. 8:2). At Jericho, Achan disobeyed and faced judgment – if only he had waited! How do we sometimes do this? (God wants to give us something but we aren't willing to wait). Is there a situation in your life where you need to wait on the Lord, and trust Him to provide in his own way and his own timing?5. Moses gave instructions for the Covenant renewal in Deuteronomy 31. Why do you think Joshua did this AFTER God gave them victory at Ai instead of before? How is this an example of God's mercy and loving-kindness towards us? How is this truth expressed in 1 John 1:10, 19?
Joshua 7:1-26 | Ben Potloff | As Israel approaches their next adversary, Ai (not to be confused with artificial intelligence), all indications are that this should be a cake walk. Picture a sense of pridefulness and a bit of arrogance here. The recommendation is to only send a small squad, maybe the JV team (don't bother the whole group with such a small town.) Then, something goes horribly wrong. What happened, why did it all go south? What can we learn from this defeat? What can we learn from Joshua's response? What can we learn from the consequences of sin? Let's explore Joshua 7 together and course correct where we see areas in our own life that might need transformation.MAIN IDEARebellion kindles God's wrath.OUTLINEI. Secret sin is known by the Lord (vv. 1-21)II. Sin must be punished to appease the Lord's anger (vv. 22-26)DISCUSSION QUESTIONS1. Read Joshua 7:2-5 Discuss some of the mistakes you can see that Joshua made.2. Read Joshua 7:6-9 Discuss Joshua's response to this defeat. Is this your 1st response when things go south?3. Achan coveted the items, stole them from God's treasury, then lied about it. He desired the things he saw more than God. How do we reverse that and desire God above all else?4. Thirty-six fellow Israelites paid with their life for Achan's sin. Discuss how our sin can have ramifications that affect many others.5. Read Joshua 7:22-26. Discuss the final punishment that Achan, his wife, and his children were sentenced to. Discuss why God's wrath, concerning sin, may be the most unacceptable of doctrines, in our time. Discuss why sin cannot be tolerated by a Holy God. Does this change your view on your own sin?6. Finish by discussing the payment God made for our sin and how costly that was. Does that make you more thankful for not getting what we deserve?
Joshua 5:13-6:27 | Ben Potloff | This week we have a familiar story of Joshua leading the Israelites against the fortified city of Jericho. They had just miraculously crossed over the Jordan river, set themselves apart by circumcising all the men, and now Joshua experiences a conversation with God. At this point Joshua is clearly set apart for the task of leading Israel against the city of Jericho. This is an impossible task done in an improbable way. God gave Joshua instructions to take the city, however not by force, but through obedience.MAIN IDEAVictory belongs to the Lord. OUTLINEI. The Lord fights for his people and promises complete victory (5:13-6:5)II. God's people are to respond to His promises with obedience (6:6-21)III. Those promised salvation by faith will surely receive it (6:22-27)DISCUSSION QUESTIONS1. The baton or mantle of Moses was passed to Joshua. Moses, the man who had faced Pharaoh, who had led the nation across the red sea, who had struck the ground and water came forth, who led the nation day after day, the man who was known as a friend of God, and now it was Joshua's turn to take over. What do you think Joshua felt at this point? A bit daunting? Discuss a time you had big shoes to fill—what did you do? What would you have done differently?2. In Joshua 5:13-15 Joshua was approached by a mysterious man with a drawn sword. What did Joshua ask the man? What was the man's reply? What did the man command Joshua to do? Who also was commanded to take off his sandals? Thinking about these two encounters with God—how can that change our perspective on how we live?3. Have you ever noticed that Joshua never asks, “Why God?” Do we ever require a “why” to be answered before obeying? Read 1 Samuel 15:22. What do you think God means by saying, “To obey is better than sacrifice”? What does that look like for us today?4. Read Joshua 6:8-10, 15-16. This chapter references the number “7” fourteen times. There are so many places in the Bible where numbers are significant. Where are other times we see the number seven referenced in the Bible? Bonus: Read Revelation 8.5. Read Joshua 2:15-18 and 6:22-25. Who was Rahab? What was the agreement the spies of Israel had with Rahab? What was the indicator for the Israelite army to identify Rahab and her family at the time of the attack? Does the color of the cord displayed in the window have any significance? Read Exodus 12:13. What similarities do you see to the first Passover?
Joshua 5:1-12 | Max Janusch | It's the perfect time for the people of Israel to recommit themselves to the Lord. And what better way to do that than for all the men who had been born in the wilderness, who had never been circumcised to be circumcised. Circumcision is the outward sign for the people of Israel that they are God's and God's alone. For whatever reason, in the wilderness, the practice had stopped, but now is the time for this next generation to commit themselves to the Lord, outwardly and inwardly. So, all the men get the snip with new flint knives. Then the people rest, recover and celebrate the first Passover in their new land.MAIN IDEAOur covenant-keeping God produces covenant-keeping people.OUTLINEI. God establishes relationship with his people. (vv. 1-9)II. God fulfills his promises to his people. (vv. 10-12)DISCUSSION QUESTIONS1. Discuss the ways in which the miracles of the Lord make possible what we read in Joshua 5:1-12 (i.e. being able to circumcise all the warrior aged men and celebrate Passover). What are the ways you have seen the Lord working in your life in ways that only He can?2. We are not asked to circumcise ourselves to show our faithfulness to God, but what are the things that God does call us to do once we are saved by his grace? What are the things he asks us to do that you find the most difficult and how might your community group help you to be more faithful in those areas?3. The people of Israel, here at the beginning of Joshua, are showing themselves to be obedient children to their heavenly Father. Is there anything in your life you find God calling you to? If there has been something keeping you from obeying, what is it and how might you overcome that to walk in His call?4. Read Colossians 3:12-17. We are not the people of Israel, but God has called us as the church to live in a way that sets us apart and builds up the body of Christ. Where do you seeour church excelling and where might we need more work to fulfill the call Paul lays out for us in this passage?5. God asks for hard things from us sometimes, asking grown men to be circumcised in this passage is a good example of that. What do you sense is God's call on your life, in your community group and in our church that might be difficult but is worth the sacrifice?
Joshua 4:1-24 | Ben Potloff | Do you have something that brings up memories or starts conversations with others? Maybe a tattoo, a scar, or something hanging up in the house that stands out from what you'd normally see in someone's house? We tend to put things out on display for ourselves but usually it catches the eyes of others and sometimes leads to discussions. For the Israelites, God had instructed twelve men, one from each tribe, to take up a stone from the riverbed of the Jordan and place it where they were to camp that night. Having witnessed a miraculous display of God's complete control over nature, God instructed Joshua to display a monument to be seen and cause people to ask, “What do those stones mean to you?” These stones were just stones, yet, when the children and later generations would see them, they would ask what they mean. “What do these represent?”MAIN IDEARemember what the Lord has done.OUTLINEI. The Lord's miracles reveal His might (vv. 23-24)II. The Lord's miracles are to be memorialized (vv. 1-22)DISCUSSION QUESTIONS1. The stones that were used as a memorial for the twelve tribes were from the bottom of the river, eroded, altered and unique from the stones on the banks and on land. How can you live your life altered, changed and unique from the world?2. The memorial of the twelve stones was for following generations to look upon and ask their parents what they meant. For parents, how can we cultivate and raise a godly household? For those who are not parents, how can we prepare ourselves for when that time comes?3. Joshua tells the Israelites that when their children ask about the stones they are to remind them of how the hand of the Lord is mighty and that they are to fear the Lord. What does this text and the Bible teach us about the fear of God? How does this fear comfort us?4. Knowing the purpose and significance of the ark, does the order in the events of which the ark moves have any meaning? What does this tell us about God?5. Read Luke 24:1-12. The Israelites were instructed to point their children to the stones as a memorial for what God had done for them. Reflect on the empty tomb and discuss what memorial that means for us 2000 years later.
Joshua 3:1-17 | Ben Potloff | Years of wandering are about to end. It is hard to imagine what's on the minds and the hearts of the people. You might remember Joshua had been to the Promised Land forty years earlier. As a spy he came back to Moses with a positive report and encouragement to go in and possess the land, only to be shouted down. The crowd won the day, with their fearful disobedience earning them exile in the desert until that generation's death. Joshua was a young man and now he is old. He is the new leader of God's chosen people. There would be many battles ahead. Strong leadership would be required. God would again remind Joshua that he was not alone. It was time to cross the Jordan.MAIN IDEAGod's presence gives confidence.OUTLINEI. God's holiness requires His people's holiness (vv. 1-6)II. God is the all-powerful Lord of all the earth (vv. 7-17)DISCUSSION QUESTIONS1. Verse 1 says Joshua rose early in the morning. Do you have a preferred time to meet with God?2. Joshua called the people to prepare themselves to receive the promise of God. How do you prepare yourself to meet with God in daily devotions?3. What did the Ark represent to the people?4. The instructions for the priests and the people were specific and exact. Why do you think Joshua's instructions were so specific?5. Why do you think God reminded Joshua that He would be with Him?
Joshua 2:1-24 | Ben Potloff | Joshua 2 introduces us to someone, who is quite honestly, unexpected as someone God would use. Her name is Rahab. She is mentioned alongside towering figures of the faith such as Abraham, Moses, Noah, Gideon, and King David in Hebrews Chapter 11. How is this possible? Why is it so shocking and unexpected? It's surprising because Rahab is a prostitute. And almost every time her name is mentioned in the Bible she is known as Rahab the prostitute. Not a religious giant as you would expect but a person most people would be ashamed to be associated with. But God saw things differently. God saw a heart of faith and someone who believed in Him wholeheartedly.MAIN IDEAThe plea for mercy brings the hope of rescue. OUTLINEI. It is a fearful thing to oppose the one true God (vv. 1-11a, 24)II. The Lord abounds in love for those who fear Him (vv. 11b-23)DISCUSSION QUESTIONS1. What are your thoughts on Rahab lying to the men who came to capture the spies?2. Seeing who God used to protect the spies, how can Rahab's life be an encouragement to you in your walk with the Lord?3. Rahab is mentioned three times in the New Testament, Matthew 1-1-5, Hebrews 11:29-31, and James 2:25. Discuss what these verses say about Rahab and why are they important for us?4. Do you find it significant that Rahab was so concerned about her family and their safety in Joshua 12-14? Why? Are you surprised by it?5. What are your thoughts on what Rahab says about God in Joshua 2:8-11. Why is her using “LORD' in 2:8, 10, and 11 so significant? Why is LORD capitalized in our Bible in these verses? Is this at all surprising to you that she uses that name when describing God?
In this first chapter of Joshua, God calls Joshua to lead the people into the land, the land he has given them. But it will take strength, courage, and commitment to follow God's law as well as trust that God is with them always. The Israelites will need this as they conquer the land.MAIN IDEAThe promise of God gives the courage to obey. OUTLINEI. God is faithful and keeps His promises (vv. 1-4, 6) II. Confidence in God's plan comes from the promise of God's presence (vv. 5, 9)III. True success requires obedience to God's Word (vv. 7-8, 10-18)DISCUSSION QUESTIONS1. Joshua 1 begins “after the death of Moses.” What was the relationship between Joshua and Moses? How might Joshua be feeling at this moment? How are we inclined to respond to a season of grief? How do we move forward from it?2. How has God prepared Joshua to assume leadership over the Israelites and to lead them into the Promised Land? How has God prepared you for the work He has called you to do? How can your group pray for and encourage you?3. Throughout this passage, the Lord repeatedly tells Joshua, “Be strong and courageous.” What does it mean to be “strong”? What does it mean to be “courageous”? What does it look like for us today?4. Part of God's command to Moses was to be “careful to do according to all the law that Moses my servant commanded you,” and that Joshua should “meditate on it day and night” then he would be prosperous and have good success (v. 7b-8). We are also called to follow God's law. What did Jesus say were the greatest commandments (see Mt. 22:37-40)? How do we live that out in our daily lives?5. God promises that He will be with Joshua wherever he goes (Joshua 1:9b). As Christians, we have this same promise: “I am with you always, to the end of the age” (Matthew 28:20b). In what ways do you experience the truth of this promise? How does it empower us to move forward in faith?6. What of the Lord's words to Joshua do you need to take to heart? How can you pray for one another specifically?
1 Timothy 1:12-17 | Ben Potloff | "The saying is trustworthy and deserving of full acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am the foremost" (v. 15). The good news of Christmas is that God himself, in the person of Jesus Christ, came to rescue and redeem sinners to his own eternal glory!
John 9:1-41 | Ben Potloff | "Jesus said, 'For judgment I came into this world, that those who do not see may see, and those who see may become blind'" (v. 39). Some of the sayings of Jesus can be difficult for sinful human beings to understand and—often—even harder to accept. However, the idea of judgment is critical to understanding the person and work of Jesus Christ. For the one who trusts in Christ, there is great hope in the final Judge.MAIN IDEAJesus came to make the blind see.OUTLINEI. Pain is not punishment or purposeless, but is a platform that displays God's power (vv. 1-7) II. Rejecters of Jesus are blind and guilty, believers in Jesus have light and life (vv. 8-41)DISCUSSION QUESTIONS1. What stands out to you in this passage? Why?2. What is difficult to understand or accept in this passage? How does your natural—and sinful—self want to push against the words of Jesus?3. What hope is there for sinners facing a judge like Christ?4. How does this passage give you a richer understanding of the person and work of Jesus?5. How does this passage call you to live differently?
Luke 19:1-10 | Ben Potloff | "For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.” The story of Jesus and Zacchaeus is familiar to those who grew up in the church. Zacchaeus, a wee little man and swindling tax collector, climbs because he simply must see Jesus. Despite the grumbling of the crowd, Jesus goes to his house and declares good news: good news for Zacchaeus then and good news for us today.MAIN IDEAJesus came to seek and save the lost.OUTLINEI. Jesus pursues the unworthy and despicable (vv. 1-7, 10)II. Salvation by faith leads to a changed life (vv. 6-9)DISCUSSION QUESTIONS1. Are you familiar with the Sunday school story of Jesus and Zacchaeus? Before Sunday's sermon, what did you think was the main point of this story?2. What was Zacchaeus seeking? What does he find?3. What does this narrative teach you about the person, work, and mission of Christ?4. How does this passage challenge you to think and/or live differently?
Mark 10:35-45 | Ben Potloff | "But whoever would be great among you must be your servant, and whoever would be first among you must be slave of all" (vv. 43b-44). How are the people of God supposed to interact with one another? Here, we see that they are to love and self-sacrificially serve.MAIN IDEAThe Servant is the greatest. OUTLINEI. The human heart seeks self-serving glory (vv. 35-41)II. True greatness is achieved through self-sacrificial serving (vv. 42-45)
Matthew 5:17-20 | Ben Potloff | "Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them" (v. 17). In the Old Testament, God gave His people the Law and the Prophets so they would know what is required for them to be in right relationship with Him. Sadly, Israel rejected, distorted, and fell short over and over again. Something needed to be done for God's people to be forgiven of their sins and counted righteous before God! Here, we see that Christ is the one who does what sinful people could never do in the face of God's perfect law.MAIN IDEAChrist came to fulfill God's Word.OUTLINEI. The Old Testament points to Christ (vv. 17-18)II. The Old Testament endures in Christ (vv. 19-20) DISCUSSION QUESTIONS1. What stands out to you about this passage? What is challenging or confusing about what Matthew records here?2. What is the purpose of God's Law and His Prophets in the Old Testament?3. How is God's grace seen in Christ's fulfillment of the Law and Prophets on your behalf?4. What does this passage teach you about the person, work, and purpose of Jesus Christ?5. How does this passage challenge the way you think or how you live?
Colossians 4:7-18 | Ben Potloff | Sitting on the floor of a Roman prison and bound in chains, Paul concludes the dictation of his letter to the church in Colossae. In his usual format, Paul closes the letter by extending his greetings to the complex network of leaders connected with his churches across the Roman world. After all that Paul has written to the Colossian church, this is what he wants to leave them with. Also, this means that after all that the Holy Spirit has inspired Paul to write to His people, this is what He wants to leave His people, us, with. It's easy to neglect these greetings and skim through them, but they matter just as much as every other word of Scripture - let's see why!MAIN IDEAKingdom work is done together.OUTLINEI. Our call is faithful service (vv. 7-9, 12-13, 17)II. Our comfort is fellow servants (vv. 7-11, 14-15)III. Our connection is in Christ (vv. 7, 12, 16-18)DISCUSSION QUESTIONS1. What does encouraging other believers' hearts look like to you on a practical level?2. Paul asks the readers to remember his chains. Why is it important for Christians to remember one another in their suffering?3. What does “struggling in prayer” mean to you? Is there anything or anyone that you've been struggling on behalf of in prayer?4. What would it look like for you to fulfill the ministry/work in which you have received in the Lord?5. How can you use your present circumstances to spread the gospel and support your fellow believers, as Paul did from prison?6. How does Paul's message to the early church inform or challenge the way you view participation in your local church?
Colossians 4:2-6 | Max Janusch | This week, after pointed instruction about the household of the follower of Jesus, Paul begins to conclude his letter, giving some final instructions before wrapping up. He puts his finger on two crucial elements of the Christian life: prayer and our behavior toward those who do not believe. In light of who Jesus is and what he's done, how should we pray? And how should we act around those who aren't living as though all things truly are through him and for him?MAIN IDEALet your life speak of Christ.OUTLINEI. Persistent prayer should permeate God's people. (vv. 2-4)II. Would-be witnesses should walk wisely in the world. (vv. 5-6)DISCUSSION QUESTIONS1. Think back on last week's text (3:18-4:1). Now read this week's short text together (4:2-6). How do Paul's words in these five verses help us apply the instruction from last week's passage?2. Look at all five days of “Engage the Text.” You'll notice that all of Paul's instructions in these verses can be traced back to the teachings of Jesus. Take a few moments and look at all the overlap, making observations as you go.3. Look at verses 2-4. What does Paul say about prayer? How should this shape how we pray? Does this come easy to you? Difficult? Why?4. How often do you pray for each other, that God would help your group mates as you share the gospel with others? How can you encourage each other in this?5. Read verses 5-6. Why is this especially important in our current day and age? Think about your own personal relationships. What are specific ways that this can be a struggle? How can we, as the people of God, grow in this area?
Colossians 3:18-4:1 | Luke Hendrix | Moving on from his exhortations in the beginning of Colossians 3, Paul now takes those principles and then gives instructions on what it looks like to live life in Christ in the context of the relationships we find ourselves in. He first addresses the family, the foundational relationship of any society. He speaks to wives, husbands, children, and fathers before turning his attention to servants and masters. Our lives in Christ are to reflect him fully, no matter what role we find ourselves fulfilling, living out verses twelve through seventeen in every context.DISCUSSION QUESTIONS1. What role or roles in your life are you struggling the most to live out considering Paul's call in verses 12-17?2. In the roles of wife, husband, mother, father, boss or employee, what has helped you most in living as God's chosen ones? 3. Paul says that fathers are not to provoke their children, for those that are parents in the group, how do you do this well and where do you see yourself needing to grow in this area?4. The work that you do, who do you think people see you doing it for and why?5. Verse 25 tells us that God shows no favoritism and that judgment will be impartial regardless of human “class”. How should this change the way we think about people and the way we treat them in life?
Colossians 3:12-17 | Max Janusch | The Christian life comes with a whole new wardrobe, new habits and practices and priorities. And the best part? This new life is not lived in order to get to God, it's lived because you have God! These new things are not ways to righteousness, they are the way of righteousness for the individual Christian and the whole Christian community.MAIN IDEANew life calls for a new way of life.OUTLINEI. Christians act different because they are different. (vv. 12-14)II. Christians overflow with thankfulness to God. (15-17)DISCUSSION QUESTIONS1. What has stood out to you from this passage that is particularly encouraging, challenging, inspiring, comforting, etc.?2. What reason does Paul give for you to “put on” all these things? What does he say qualifies you for this?3. What or who do you need in order to do the things called for in this passage? Hint: look at those around you.4. Thankfulness and thanksgiving play a big part in this passage. How do you practice these things? How can you grow in this discipline of the Christian life?5. What do you need in order to grow in all these things? What happens if you become unbalanced and only grow in certain areas of the Christian life?
Colossians 3:1-11 | Ben Potloff | Now that our lives are in Christ, we are at war as we daily put to death that which used to reign in our mortal bodies. What was once dead is now alive and therefore has nothing to do with those things that bring death. We've been given a new self that is being transformed into the image of our creator as we walk according to his ways.MAIN IDEABe who you are in Christ.OUTLINEI. You have died with Christ, so put to death the old self (vv. 3, 5-9)II. You have been raised with Christ, so put on the new self (vv. 1-2, 4, 10-11)DISCUSSION QUESTIONS1. When Paul calls us to seek the things that are above what do you think that practically looks like day to day?2. What helps you daily practice setting your mind on things above? What hinders you from being able to do so?3. Paul calls us to deal violently with our sin by putting it to death. What is your daily mindset when it comes to your sin?4. This might be a good time to break up between men and women so you can discuss and confess sin that you continue to struggle with putting to death. 5. Status is a major part of the way the world relates but Paul makes it clear in verse 11 that there are no status distinctions in those who are in Christ. Is that something you think our church does well and where might we still need to grow in this area?
Colossians 2:16-23 | Ben Potloff | Is Christ enough? Is what Jesus did for us on the cross when He bore our sins in His body enough? When He shed His blood, when He died and was buried, was it enough? And when He rose again from the dead, was it enough? Was all that Jesus accomplished enough for us to stand before a Holy God, forgiven, cleansed, and washed from our sins? Paul's response is a resounding YES!MAIN IDEAReligious experiences or rule-keeping can't change you, but Christ can.OUTLINEI. Don't be deceived by Christless mysticism and behavior modification (vv. 18-23)II. Don't follow shadows when you can follow the real thing (vv. 16-17)DISCUSSION QUESTIONS1. Has there ever been a time that others have passed judgment on your walk with Christ like those in Colossians 2:16? How does Paul encourage them in 2:17?2. What is meant by asceticism in Colossian 2:18, and is there a place for it in our faith walk with Christ? (Definition: a lifestyle characterized by abstinence from worldly pleasures. An example would be Monks withdrawing from society, severe fasting, mistreating the body)3. Continuing in Colossian 2:18 what are your thoughts on Paul's mention of those worshiping angels and visions? Are you surprised by Paul's response to that at the end of verse 18?What is Paul's response to 2:18 and why those who practice what he mentions are being misled?4. In Colossians 2:20-23 Paul talks about mixing man-made religion in with the truth of the gospel. How can this be a hindrance to our walk with Christ? How do we distinguish between the two?
Colossians 2:6-15 | Ben Potloff | Paul stresses to the Colossians they have found something authentic and very valuable in Christ but are being lured away from that treasure as their faith is being tested and challenged by tradition and persuasive intellectual arguments. He wants them to be established firmly in their faith, to know what is authentic compared to what is counterfeit. The Lord desired for them as well as us to be experts in our field, knowing what is true and genuinely from Him, contrasted to what is an imitation or a fake reproduction of Christianity. Paul then reminds the Colossians of the powerful work of Jesus on the cross, just how final and comprehensive it is. This is what Paul is calling them to put their hope in, the only gospel with the power to save and bring to life what was once dead.
Colossians 1:24-2:5 | Ben Potloff | We are called to make disciples of all peoples because God loves them. He made them. He wants to return them to community with himself. How will we do this? Truth and love. Righteousness and compassion. Paul writes that “My goal is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love, so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding, in order that they may know the mystery of God, namely, Christ, in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.” Not only is life in Christ but life to the fullest. These treasures and riches cannot be swallowed by the grave, destroyed by moths, or reduced to rubble. We become connected to Christ to spread his love. We are changed so that we cannot help but support our brothers and sisters, both those who are with us or will join us by God's grace.MAIN IDEAGod's wisdom is revealed when Christ is proclaimed. OUTLINEI. The minister's mission is a struggle and toil (vv. 24, 29-2:1)II. The minister's message is the mystery of Christ. (vv. 25-28, 2:2-5)DISCUSSION QUESTIONS1. How do you understand what Paul is saying in verse 24?2. Paul mentions multiple times mystery. What is he referring to and why is it the driving focus of this section of Colossians?3. In 2:2 Paul talks about the believers' hearts being “knit together in love”. What is the importance of this being a corporate thing and not an individual one?4. What are “plausible” arguments that you have come up against that have made you question your faith or still bother you?4. Paul mentions the firmness of the Colossian's faith. Where do you see your church's firmness and where might there still be opportunities for growth?
Colossians 1:21-23 | Max Janusch | You have been saved by Christ so that you can be presented “holy,” “blameless,” and “above reproach.” This is incredible news for you who were once far off and sinning against God! The Christian life is not constant striving to clean yourself up before God. The Christian life is a day-in, day-out response to the work of Jesus Christ who has saved you in order to heal you, transform you, and bring you into deeper and deeper relationship with himself.MAIN IDEAThose reconciled to God remain rooted in the gospel.OUTLINEI. Christ has saved sinners for future presentation. (vv. 21-22)II. Present faith is based on gospel hope. (v. 23)DISCUSSION QUESTIONS1. After the sermon and time engaging the text, what questions do you still have about the passage? Are there words or phrases that you need help understanding?2. What seems to be Paul's main point in this passage? What is the single most important idea that he is communicating?3. Discuss how Paul describes what a Christian is. What does it mean to be “holy,” “blameless,” and “above reproach”?4. Discuss how Paul describes what a Christian does. What does it mean to “continue in the faith,” be “stable and steadfast,” not “shift from the hope of the gospel”?5. In addition to prayer, what is one way that your group can practically encourage or challenge you to respond to this passage this week?
Colossians 1:15-20 | Ben Potloff | Through Paul's letter to the believers in Colossae, God gives us poignant insight into the nature of Jesus. We learn that Jesus is sovereign and powerful, and our beautiful earth and heavens were created through him.MAIN IDEAJesus is first and foremost. OUTLINEI. Jesus is the God and Creator of all (vv. 15a-17a, 19)II. Jesus is the Ruler & Reconciler of all (vv. 17b-18, 20)DISCUSSION QUESTIONS1. When Jesus walked on Earth, how do you think his followers saw him? (Did they see God? Did they see a man? Any other insights?)2. How is God revealed to us personally when we reflect on the character of Jesus?3. Read verse 18. How does it impact us here and now, knowing that Jesus is the head of the body, the church? 4. What do you think it means that God's fullness dwells in Jesus? 5. How does Jesus hold all things together? What is the significance of this verse?
Colossians 1:9-14 | Ben Potloff | Paul did not establish and probably never visited the church at Colossae. He was imprisoned in Rome when he wrote this letter. Regardless of his circumstances and the absence of a historical or physical connection, Paul knew that he had a relationship with these believers – they had the same Father. He, along with Timothy, prayed for them. Paul was thankful for their dedication to Jesus and their love for other believers. He reminded them of the truth of Jesus Christ that they had put their faith in and affirmed the Gospel was bearing fruit in their lives and throughout the world.MAIN IDEAGod equips those He qualified.OUTLINEI. God gives the knowledge we need to walk in his will (vv. 9-10)II. God gives the strength we need to walk in his will (v. 11)III. God gives the redemption we need to live in his light (vv. 12-14)DISCUSSION QUESTIONS1. What was Paul “praying without ceasing” on behalf of the Colossian church for? Are those the same things we pray on behalf of our body? Should we tweak or switch how we pray?2. Read verses 10-11. Have you tried to “perform all Paul's requests without the power of the Holy Spirit? How did it turn out?3. How is this opening statement in Paul's letter (verses 9-14), a battle cry against false teaching that the Colossian church was in the middle of? Is that how you would have approached a friend or loved one in the throes of a spiritual battle?4. Have you ever had to be “qualified” for some job or task? Some qualifications can be rigorous. How does it feel to be fully qualified by God as His inheritance?5. If you are a Christian, you have been delivered from the Kingdom of darkness and transferred to the Kingdom of His beloved Son. Give some before and after snapshots of what that looks like. Take some time to express your thankfulness for that transfer.
Colossians 1:1-8 | Ben Potloff | A special relationship existed between Paul, Timothy, and the Christians in and around Colossae. Considering Colossian, you are faced with the beauty of a local church established in the gospel and growing in the grace of the Lord Jesus. In the opening of the letter, we see the power of the grace of God in the lives of his people.MAIN IDEAThe gospel bears fruit.OUTLINEI. Faith and love come from the hope of the gospel (vv. 1-5a)II. Faith and love come from the hearing of the gospel (vv. 5b-8)DISCUSSION QUESTIONS1. Paul starts this letter by stating his apostleship and appointment by the will of God. Why is it important for the reader to understand Paul's role and authority? Does Paul continue to expound on his authority throughout the letter? What other aspects of his relationship with the church does he write about in these opening verses? What effect would this have on the Colossian believers?2. This letter is written to believers, fellow Christians who have already placed their faith in Christ, though not directly through Paul's ministry. Does this influence how Paul addresses them? How does Paul feel about these people? What can we learn from this and apply to our own interactions with others?3. Paul prayed for the believers at Colossae with love, appreciation, and dedication, though he didn't know them as individuals. What are effective ways we can pray beyond our circles of family and friends? How can we make praying for people we don't know more personal and meaningful? Does praying for people we don't know change how we think and feel about them?4. In verses 4-8, Paul describes a few characteristics of the Colossians that show the sincerity of their faith in Jesus. What attributes in our lives demonstrate the authenticity of our relationship with Jesus? Does recognizing Christ in the lives of people around you encourage your own commitment?5. Why is it important for the Gospel to always be bearing fruit in our lives? What does being fruitful mean? How can we evaluate this in ourselves? What are key requirements for being fruitful?
Psalm 133:1-3 | Ben Potloff | "Behold, how good and pleasant it is when brothers dwell in unity!" Unity, harmony, and community are all universally understood to be good things, but we often see our world marked more clearly by division, strife, and isolation. King David pens this psalm to reveal God's will for life to be lived in brotherly unity. Here, we see that where the Lord rules, unity reigns.MAIN IDEAGod-given unity is sweet.OUTLINEI. Unity in the Lord is precious (vv. 1-2)II. Unity in the Lord is provided (v. 2-3)
Psalm 145:1-21 | Ben Potloff | "I will extol you, my God and King, and bless your name forever and ever." King David declares God's goodness and righteousness and the Lord's worthiness of our worship. David then announces his response to such a great God, and we see that we are to follow suit in how we praise the Lord.MAIN IDEAThe greatness of God propels the praise of His people.OUTLINEI. God's greatness is seen in His gracious actsII. God's greatness is seen in His glorious reign
Psalm 116:1-19 | Ben Potloff | "I love the LORD, because he has heard my voice and my pleas for mercy." How far gone is too far? What extreme need or danger is too much for God to handle? The truth is that there is no distance, no threat of death, no enemy, and no affliction that is too much for God to handle. In Psalm 116, we see that the Lord hears the prayers of his people and he rescues them.MAIN IDEAOur deliverer deserves devotion.OUTLINEI. The Lord delivers from death (vv. 1-11)II. The delivered devote their lives (vv. 12-19)
Psalm 15:1-5 | Max Janusch | "O Lord, who shall sojourn in your tent? Who shall dwell on your holy hill?" This psalm asks a profound question and offers a simple answer. Who will dwell with God? Simply put, the righteous one will. This psalm reveals a predicament for all, who are guilty of sin, but points to the greatest hope of humanity.MAIN IDEAThe righteous get to be with God.OUTLINEI. God is set apart. (v. 1)II. God expects perfection. (vv. 2-5a)III. God preserves his people. (v. 5b)
Psalm 23:1-6 | Ben Potloff | "The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures." What does confidence and trust in the Lord sound like? It sounds like King David's words in Psalm 23. Here, we see the hope that people of God have in the one who leads, comforts, protects, and saves.MAIN IDEAThe Shepherd's presence is my constant comfort.OUTLINEI. The Lord's care is personal (vv. 1-5)II. The Lord's care is perpetual (vv. 6)
Psalm 82:1-8 | Gavin Hesse | "Arise, O God, judge the earth; for you shall inherit all the nations!" We often downplay or altogether ignore God's role as judge. However, for God's people, his judgment promises deliverance and an end to wickedness. In Psalm 82, we see a picture of the hope and security that we have in the Lord.MAIN IDEAThe Lord's perfect justice offers rescue.OUTLINEI. The heavenly judge calls for perfect rule.II. Sinful leaders create chaos.III. The heavenly judge will return.
Psalm 33:1-22 | Max Janusch | "Let your steadfast love, O Lord, be upon us, even as we hope in you." God is the creator and ruler of all things and all people. There is nothing outside of his control or his awareness. In Psalm 33, we see that God is truly worthy of the worship of his people.MAIN IDEAYour Lord is worthy of your worship.OUTLINEI. The Lord holds all things and all people. (vv. 1-12)II. The Lord knows and saves his people. (vv. 13-22)
Psalm 3:1-8 | Ben Potloff | "Salvation belongs to the Lord; your blessing be on your people!" For King David—and all of God's people—enemies and opposition abound. But, there is great hope for those who look to the Lord in their trouble. Here, we see that in the Lord there is security, sustenance, and salvation. MAIN IDEAEnemies may surround, but the Lord saves.OUTLINEI. God's people are often resisted (vv. 1-2)II. God's people are redeemed (vv. 3-8)
Psalm 73:1-28 | Tim Smith | "But for me it is good to be near God; I have made the Lord God my refuge, that I may tell of all your works." It often feels unfair that the wicked and ungodly seem to prosper in this life. Asaph, in Psalm 73, wrestles with the same frustration and comes to a glorious conclusion. Here, we are called to trust in the Lord and his plan for the godly and the ungodly.
Psalm 112:1-10 | Luke Hendrix | "Blessed is the man who fears the Lord, who greatly delights in his commandments!" It is a wonderful thing to be counted among the people of God, for God loves and intends to bless his children. Here, we see the perseverance of the saints of God.OUTLINEI. Save your fear for the one who deserves it.II. Does fearing the Lord really guarantee us a charmed life?III. Fear of the Lord, is not about trying but trusting.
Psalm 103:1-22 | Ben Potloff | "Bless the Lord, O my soul, and all that is within me, bless his holy name!" The more you consider the Lord's attributes, character, and works, the more reason you have to sing his praises, tell of his mighty deeds, and obey him. It is an honor to serve and praise the Lord!
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