Week 4 Devos

Week 4 Devos: A New Look at the Church

Day 1
If you were Born and raised in the church, what keeps you connected and part of your church community? If you weren’t raised in church, what brought you to church and what keeps you connected?




Envision the ideal church, what is necessary for it to be a biblical community?




Read Colossians 1:1-8

Paul gives five trademarks of a biblically functioning community of Christ followers.
Trademark: Why it is essential for a healthy Church
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2

3

4

5

Paul Begins by affirming the central and core pillar of any church: true faith in Jesus Christ. Why is unwavering faith in Jesus the top of the list when it comes to trademarks of a true church?







When you say “I believe in Jesus Christ,” what does this mean to you?

Day 2: Colossians 1:9-14

What did Paul pray for the followers of Christ in Colossae?






How can this prayer be used as a model to give direction as you pray for one of these groups:
• Your youth group
• Your church
• Other churches
• The Global Church


What are ways that we can grow in our knowledge of God’s will for our lives and the life of the church (V.9)?



Describe a time when you had a clear sense of God giving you knowledge of His will for your life.






What is one area of your life where you need God’s Strength and power right now?







How have you experienced the transfer of your life from the dominion of darkness to a new place of Christ’s Kingdom (vv. 13-14)?

Day 3: Colossians 1:1-14

Celebrating and Being Celebrated

Re-read this week’s passage. Take a few moments to make an inheritance assessment. Paul is clear that we have a whole new inheritance once we become children of God (v12). Brainstorm a list of promises and possessions you have in your inheritance from God, your Heavenly Father.





















Pray and lift up your voice in praise and celebration for the inheritance you have in Jesus Christ!

Day 4

Over the centuries God has worked through His church to touch countless lives. The Local Church is the hope of the world and God’s agent for transformation. In every generation God calls out leaders for the church who faithfully invest their lives in the local church. Many of these leaders have greatly influenced our lives, but we have never told them. Today write a letter to a minister in your church. Express your love to them and thank them for investing their lives in the local church.

Who has invested in your life? How did they do it?




How can you invest in someone else’s life the way that you have been invested in?



Who could you reach out to?




Day 5

There are few acts of service more powerful than consistent, intentional, faithful prayer for others. Today pray for the people in your church. Pray for them to
• Grow in their knowledge of God’s will
• Live a life worthy of the Lord
• Be strengthened with God’s power
• Learn to celebrate their inheritance in Christ
Second pray for another church in your community. Identify a church that is seeking to honor Christ and become a biblically functioning community. Pray for them and let them know you have been praying Colossians 1:9-14 for them.

Write out your prayer.