And then I’ll lead us as we go, 1:24 says, Now I rejoice in my sufferings for your sake. And in my flesh, I’m filling up what is lacking in Christ’s afflictions, for the sake of his body, that is the church. I’m going to come back to that.
If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on the earth.
Colossians 1:24 & Colossians 3:1-2
Q & A：
- Discuss why you should rejoice in suffering and count it all joy when facing trials, with reference to a way of fast tracking to come into full assurance with God and how we are destined for trials for a purpose in God’s plan. Looking back to the greatest trial in your life, do you see the purpose and privilege of your suffering and how can you dignify it and accept it as being from God? (Col 1:24; Heb 10:36; 1 Pet 5:10; 1 Thes 3:3; Phil 1:29; Jam 1:2)
- Explain why you need to be rooted in the Faith and to have full assurance especially when your Christian faith gets challenged by heresy, other religions or teachings? Discuss if you believe the idea that God is open to the future and look for your input to decide what to do, or a God who knows the future from the beginning. (Col 3:1-2)
- How have you personally experienced the effect of being thankful based on the 3 principles: God loves gratitude, God hates ingratitude, and that gratitude must be taught. What are the three things that you are thankful for this week, last month or last year, knowing that being thankful will help you come into the full assurance where God becomes so real? (Phi 4:6)