Colossians Week 3: Heavenly Relationships-Living as the Body of Christ

Colossians Week 3 Heavenly Relationships
based on a sermon by Tim Bach, 7/20/25
Small Group Discussion Guide

Opening Prayer
Begin with a prayer asking God to open hearts and minds to His word, deepen understanding, and foster relationships that reflect Christ’s love.

 Scripture Reading
- **Opening Scripture**: Colossians 3:1-15 - Encourage group members to take turns reading sections of these verses aloud.
- **Supplementary Scripture**: Philippians 2:4, which emphasizes looking out for others' interests.

Discussion Topics and Related Questions

Topic 1: The Nature of Godly Relationships
- **Discussion Questions**:
  1. What distinguishes a godly relationship from a secular friendship?
  2. How do the concepts of mutual support and reflecting God’s nature manifest in your own relationships?

 Topic 2: Transformation Through Christ
- **Discussion Questions**:
  1. In what ways does being part of the body of Christ change our identity and behavior?
  2. Which aspects of your “old self” are most challenging to let go of, and how can the group support you in this?

Topic 3: Living Out Christ's Love
- **Discussion Questions**:
  1. Why do you think love is described as the perfect bond of unity in Colossians 3:14?
  2. How can understanding Christ’s love for us help us in extending grace and forgiveness to others?

Topic 4: Modeling Peace and Unity
- **Discussion Questions**:
  1. What does it mean for the peace of Christ to rule in our hearts, and why does this matter for relationships?
  2. How can gratitude play a role in strengthening our relationships and deepening our faith?

Follow-Up Exercise
- Ask group members to reflect on their relationships throughout the upcoming week. Encourage them to practice one specific action of love, compassion, forgiveness, or gratitude as discussed.
- Suggest keeping a journal of experiences and insights gained during this practice to share in the next session.

Closing Prayer
End the session with a prayer thanking God for His word and asking for strength and guidance to live out these teachings in daily life. Request His blessing over each group member’s efforts to foster godly relationships, grounded in Christ's love and peace.

Additional Tips
- Encourage openness and honesty during discussions, ensuring a safe space for everyone to share.
- Use the manuscript’s quotes, like Larry Crabb’s, to deepen discussions on forgiveness and grace.
- Emphasize that this is an ongoing journey, and the group provides community and accountability in growing together.