Day 3 

Lisa Scheffler, author

Read

Colossians 1:5–8 (NIV)

5 the faith and love that spring from the hope stored up for you in heaven and about which you have already heard in the true message of the gospel 6 that has come to you. In the same way, the gospel is bearing fruit and growing throughout the whole world—just as it has been doing among you since the day you heard it and truly understood God’s grace. 7 You learned it from Epaphras, our dear fellow servant, who is a faithful minister of Christ on our behalf, 8 and who also told us of your love in the Spirit.

Study

• Let’s see what we can learn about the gospel from just these few verses. Yesterday, we discussed how the gospel gives us hope. What else do you notice about the gospel?
• Watch this short 4-minute video from The Bible Project on God’s grace. Now connect what you learn with Col. 1:6. How does the gospel demonstrate God’s grace?

Think about

• Verse 7 indicates that Paul was not the one who first preached the gospel in Colossae. He may have never been there nor met with this church. How might that have shaped this letter?
• How have you responded to God’s grace as expressed in the gospel message? Have you put your faith in Christ and committed to following him? If so, how has the gospel born fruit in your life? If not, you can pray and receive Christ today! Then, please let us know about your decision by sending an email to [email protected]. We want to help and support you!

Pray

Pray that the gospel will bear much fruit in the whole world, and among this faith community. Pray that, like the Colossian believers, we would be known for our love. Invite the Spirit to show you how you can be a part of his work.

Talk about

• Discuss what gospel-fruit would look like in our community. What would change if more and more people committed to following Jesus and were filled with the love of the Spirit?

To listen to last week’s message go to cfhome.org/messages