Epiphanytide

For many people, Christianity is perceived as one idea in a sea of infinite ideas. In Colossians 1:15-29, we are drawn to the beauty and the magnetism of Jesus Christ. Rather than smearing or degrade the plurality of the culture, the poem draws attention to the life of Jesus, how he demonstrates the very character of a God who otherwise cannot be seen. The God who holds all things together is over everything, more incredible than that; he engages your story with the heart of making you whole and complete.

Respond:

• What might be the deepest lie(s) embedded in your life and story? (ie. you are not worthy of love, you are unwanted etc.)

  • What truth does Jesus have to reveal (here and now & in Scripture) about these lies?

• Jesus is supreme over everything. How have humans exercised supremacy throughout history?

  • What are tangible Christ-like ways to wield ‘supremacy,’ power and authority?

• Assurance can erode with busyness, distraction (even good things), and loss of habits that draw us to community and God.

  • In what ways might you be tempted to drift away from the assurance you received when you heard the good news?

• Paul declares the supremacy of Christ and concludes by proclaiming that Christ lives in us. 

  • How does the reality that Christ who is ‘first in everything’ lives in you affect your confidence, your trust, and your actions?

Jesus’ approach to power and position in the gospel of Matthew is radically different than what we might expect someone with so much authority right from the start. From beginning to end, Jesus acts and teaches differently that what people expect a person with authority ought to do, with a massive emphasis on ‘serving’. How do we apply this ‘new kingdom’ approach to our world of leadership, influence, climbing ladders of authority? Where at times have we as Christians missed these lessons the Lord meant for us to apply and experience, and the world is meant to see as an alternative?

Each day, you and I are subjected to an onslaught of messaging that tells us who we are or who we ought to be. Studies have seen correlations between the rise in anxiety and depression to social media. Could it be that these ideas, while quiet or subtle; are evil and destructive lies? What if the deeper threat of temptation isn’t being tempted toward a certain act but the gradual progression of being tempted away from our truest identity - as someone deeply loved by, and belonging to God?

Respond:

• What might be the deepest lie(s) embedded in your life and story? (ie. you are not worthy of love, you are unwanted etc.)

  • What truth does Jesus have to reveal (here and now & in Scripture) about these lies?

• We often pray for physical health, well-being, and relationships for ourselves and others. From Paul’s example, part of our prayers ought to be for “the knowledge of his will through all spiritual wisdom and understanding.” 

  • Is this a habitual way you pray for others?

• There is much knowledge, wisdom and understanding to be found in the world. In what ways can we filter the ‘gnosis’ of culture through the lens of ‘epignosis’ knowing God?

• The natural inclination of parents is to equip their children to become more independent over time. God’s children are invited into greater dependence upon Him over time.

  • Have you found this paradox to be true in your own experience with God?

Anxiety and depression are hitting all time highs. Consider how many messages we absorb regarding our value and worth on a daily basis. Could it be that these ideas, while quiet or subtle; are evil and destructive lies? What if the deeper threat of temptation isn’t being tempted towards a certain act but the slower progression of being tempted away from our truest identity - as ones loved by, and belonging to God?

Respond:

• When lies embed themselves in our story, they drastically impact our wellbeing and behaviour in ways that can be harmful to ourselves and the people we love.

  • What might be the deepest lie(s) embedded in your life and story? (ie. you are not worthy of love, you are unwanted, you are hopeless to change etc.)

  • What truth does Jesus have to reveal (here and now & in Scripture) about these lies in your journey?

• Make a list of ways you think about who you are (some might be truth and some lies). Reflect on how being ‘God’s holy people’ who belong to a family in Christ changes all of that. What role does community have to play in fighting against the lies of culture?

• We see in these verses an identity of those who follow Jesus, the three trademark distinctions of a life grounded in faith, hope and love. Would these three characteristics define your character and thoughts? Which of these three areas might the Spirit desire to deepen in this season?

Gabriel’s words to Mary “For with God all things are possible”. How does that translate into my story with believable faith? How do I live that out? Is it even possible? We will look at some different examples in the Bible about how to walk by faith. We will explore the complexities of what this faith looks like. We will pose the question, to be reflected upon, “Can I enter 2022 with a decision to live by faith in the Heart of the Father, who is also Almighty God and for whom all things are possible?”