What’s the discipleship journey?

Our Discipleship Journey is designed to help you see that God is near and that he wants to have a meaningful relationship with you. Whether you have been walking with God for years or you just met him today, the tools below will help you get to know how deep, how wide, and how vast his love really is.

Our Discipleship Journey is made up of 3 main tools:

2024 Fall Season

Week 1 Reading Plan

Day 1: Galatians 1:1-10

Day 2: Galatians 1:11-24

Day 3: Galatians 2:1-10

Day 4: Galatians 2:11-21

Week 1 Journal Entry

Paul writes to the Galatians to reaffirm their faith in the one true gospel of the living God, Jesus Christ. Paul opens this letter by telling us about his salvation experience. He urges the Galatians that everything they do ought to be because of Christ and not man. He says he was “sent not from men nor by a man” but by the power of Jesus Christ and God the Father to preach the one true gospel. He asks, “Am I now trying to win the approval of human beings, or God? Or am I trying to please people? If I were still trying to please people, I would not be a servant of Christ.” (1:10). He also states that “the gospel I preached is not of human origin,” but a revelation from God. Paul makes the argument that the gospel is not man-made but a divine gift of freedom to everyone around the world and encourages us to put our trust in this gospel.

Paul tells us about a moment when a false gospel spreads (relating to the need to be circumcised or not). Paul says that “a person is not justified by the works of the law, but by faith in Jesus Christ.” It doesn’t matter if we are a Jew or a Gentile, the good news is for everyone who professes Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior. Whatever divisions were present, under Christ are no longer present. We are united as a family, united by God. Paul says that “Christ lives in me,” and that the ultimate good news of the gospel is Jesus gave his life for you and me. We are not made righteous by the things we do in this world; we are made righteous by the grace of Christ, who lives within every one of us.Week 1 Discussion Questions

1. Paul says: “If I were still trying to please people, I would not be a servant of Christ.” What do you think he means by this? How do you think we are called to be servants of Christ in our lives?

2. Share a time in your life where you did something to “please people” instead of “pleasing God.” What impact did that experience have on you?

3. Paul mentions how Cephas separated himself from the Gentiles and those who belonged in the “circumcision group.” Have you ever experienced separation among the church? How does disunity contradict the gospel?

Week 2 Discipleship Journey

Week 2 Reading Plan

Day 1: Galatians 3:1-9

Day 2: Galatians 3:10-18

Day 3: Galatians 3: 19-29

Day 4: Galatians 4: 1-7

Week 2 Journal Entry

In chapters 3 and 4 of his letter to the Galatians, Paul addresses the difference between living under the law and living by faith in Christ. The Galatians were struggling with the temptation to revert to the law for their justification, rather than embracing the freedom and identity they have in Christ through faith.

Paul reminds the Galatians that they received the Spirit by believing what they heard, not by observing the law. He also challenges them: having begun by the Spirit, are they now trying to attain their goal by human effort? (Galatians 3:3) This question points our hearts toward the truth that our relationship with God is founded on faith, not on our ability to follow religious rules or parameters. For we are now free from the burden of trying to earn God's favor, and our righteousness is found in Christ alone.

The promise made to Abraham was fulfilled in Christ. Through faith in Jesus, we become children of Abraham and heirs to this promise. This promise is not based on the law but on God's grace and faithfulness, leading us to Christ and showing us our need for a Savior with new sonship given.

2 Corinthians 6:18 says, "I will be a Father to you and you will be sons and daughters to me, says the Lord Almighty." A deep truth we can take joy in today is our relationship with Christ as the new identity we have as sons and daughters of the King. We have an adoption into God's family that transcends ethnic, social, and gender divisions. So take heart, for we are no longer slaves to the law but are now heirs with full rights. May our identity in Christ transform how we live, allowing us to walk in the freedom and power of the Holy Spirit.

Week 2 Discussion Questions

1.  How does understanding your identity as a child of God change the way you live?

2. How does understanding your identity as a child of God change the way you relate to others?

3. Galatians 3:13 says, “Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us, because it is written, Cursed is everyone who is hung on a tree.” Jesus hung on a tree so that we could be redeemed and live in freedom. What are some ways that the Lord is challenging you to live in that freedom He has given you?

Week 3 Discipleship Journey

Week 3 Reading Plan

Day 1: Galatians 4:8-20 

Day 2:Galatians 4: 21-31

Day 3: Galatians 5: 1-6

Day 4: Galatians 5: 7-15

Week 3 Journal Entry

Paul asks a bold question in Galatians 4:9, “Do you wish to be enslaved… again?” He reminds the church in Galatia that even though slavery is part of their history, so is freedom! Freedom is in their bloodline and carries with it a promise. Abraham’s son Isaac was born of a promise of God. His very life is an example of God’s faithfulness. 

We, too, are children of this promise of God’s love, and we continue to receive the benefits of his faithfulness. With this in mind, his initial question makes more sense and we can answer it by the grace of God through the history of his promises and continued faithfulness: Do you wish to be enslaved again? Paul also recommends to us an answer in Galatians 5:1, “Do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.” It is now clear that living in freedom or living in slavery is our own choice. 

In these verses, slavery doesn’t mean literal shackles and oppression. For the church members he’s writing to, it would look like forcing circumcision or following the 10 Commandments perfectly, without any mistake. In our modern-day lives, this looks like serving at church without spending time taking care of ourselves. Or worshiping through singing songs instead of living a lifestyle of love and gratitude. Or even giving our time and money to help others because we think it will get us some kind of higher score in heaven. Freedom - which is righteousness - comes through faith in Jesus alone. It is a gift of the Holy Spirit. Our choice is to live in this freedom by loving others, and obeying the law without being enslaved to it.

Week 3 Discussion Questions

1. What comes to mind when you think about Paul’s question, “Do you wish to be enslaved?” What are you tempted to be enslaved by?

2. Galatians 5:13 says, “You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh.” Discuss what this means and how you see it be played out in your own life.

3. Paul writes about the covenant promise of Abraham and Sarah in Galatians 4:21-31. Why might this history lesson about faith be important still today?

Week 4 Discipleship Journey

Week 4 Reading Plan

Day 1: Galatians 5: 16-26

Day 2: Galatians 6: 1-5

Day 3: Galatians 6: 6-10

Day 4: Galatians 6: 11-17

Week 4 Journal Entry

Paul continues his letter to the Galatian church by describing the conflict between life in the Spirit and life in the flesh. Living in the flesh, we don’t have to make a conscious decision to engage in jealousy, envy, conceit, dissension, discord, hate, immorality, and the other sinful characteristics Paul lists because they are part of our fleshly nature. Ultimately, they reap destruction (Galatians 6:8). But when we are filled with the Holy Spirit, the same is true of the Spirit’s fruit -- love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control (Galatians 5:22-23) -- which becomes part of our spiritual nature. When we earnestly desire these qualities, the Holy Spirit is leading us in that desire.

It should be noted that we cannot consistently manufacture the fruit of the Spirit in our own human or fleshly strength. Each fruit is a gift, promised to us if we yield to the Holy Spirit. Our compassion for the plight of others is an example of the fruit of the Spirit living in and motivating us. It is our responsibility to cultivate the fruit gifted to us. Each fruit will yield a harvest if we do not give up (Galatians 6:9).

Paul ends his letter to the Galatians by returning to the issue of freedom in Jesus and asserting that those insisting that the Galatian believers must follow the law of circumcision are simply trying to make a good outward impression while continuing to sin themselves. He prays that he will never boast except in the saving cross of Jesus, and He declares what truly counts is not the law but that he is a new creation in Christ.

Week 4 Discussion Questions

1.  Paul instructs his readers to both bear each other’s burdens (Galatians 6:3) and carry their own loads (Galatians 6:5). Why are these two instructions not contradictory, and what do you think he means by each one? Give some examples.

2. Read over the fruit of the Spirit again in Galatians 5:22-23. What are some ways to cultivate (not create) the fruit of the Spirit in your own life?

3. Which of the fruit do you feel are strong in your spiritual walk right now? Which do you feel need more cultivating?

Week 5 Discipleship Journey

Week 5 Reading Plan

Day 1: Ephesians 1:1-14

Day 2: Ephesians 1:15-23

Day 3: Ephesians 2:1-10

Day 4: Ephesians 2:11-22

Week 5 Journal Entry

 Paul begins this letter to the Ephesians with a blessing that tells us by Jesus’ blood we have redemption through His grace (Ephesians 1:7). This is an important theme that Paul continues to talk about throughout this letter. God’s ultimate purpose is not redemption itself but the praise of His name through redemption.

Although God is sovereign over the earth, there is still a human responsibility in the way that we live our lives. God uses our human nature to fulfill what He has already ordained. God is always working things out to the purpose of His will (Ephesians 1:11).

Paul, in his ministry, is expressing the love that he has for God’s people. This love is made possible by an outpouring of God’s love on us. We are changed as we grow closer to Him in a spirit of wisdom and revelation from Him, and our hearts are enlightened and given hope of our inheritance in Him (Ephesians 1:17-18). The more we grow deeper in relationship with the Lord, the deeper we can grow in relationship with each other as the body of Christ.
Paul continues to build on the theme of salvation in chapter 2. This chapter is so hopeful as it states that we are dead to our sin. We have been saved by grace that is made possible only through our faith in Jesus. 

We do not get redeemed through works of our own, but we are redeemed for good works that Christ has prepared for us. (Ephesians 2:9-10).
We have been raised with Christ and made new in His likeness. When Jesus died on the cross for us, it removed the need for covenants and rituals that set people apart. This act of redemptive love is one that brings us together as one body of Christ. Living as one with God means that He is our foundation. By the Spirit, we are also being built together with each other in a dwelling place for God (Ephesians 2:21).

Week 5 Discussion Questions

1.  Ephesians 1:11 says “In him we have obtained an inheritance having been predestined according to the purpose of him who works all things according to the counsel of his will.” Discuss a time in your life that you saw God work through a tough situation that He turned around and used for His purpose. 

2.  What does the word faith mean to you?

3. Paul emphasizes that our works do not save us, and that it is only by the grace of God that we are saved. Can you recall a time that you found yourself prioritizing your works for God over your faith in God? If so, what are some ways that can help you to shift this perspective?

Week 6 Discipleship Journey

Week 6 Reading Plan

Day 1: Ephesians 3:1-13

Day 2: Ephesians 3:14-21

Day 3: Ephesians 4:1-16

Day 4: Ephesians 4:17-32

Week 6 Journal Entry

God's grace is the heart of the book of Ephesians, with a call to live a life of unity in Christ. Paul explains this was according to God's eternal purpose and encourages us to know that his suffering as God's messenger is for our glory. Why would Paul live such a life of sacrifice? Because he was transformed by what God did for us. We were worth it (v13). Why would God sacrifice his son for us? It's been said that because God wouldn't want to imagine an eternity without us, without you. He sees me, and you, as worth it.Paul prays for our spiritual strength (v14-21). He prays that we would be deeply rooted and well established in love - a love that is incomprehensible. Just as the strength of a large tree comes from the strength of its roots, our strength comes from the roots of our love from God and for God, and then for others.

The first three chapters of Ephesians focus on what we believe about God and who we are in Christ. In chapter 4, Paul discusses that life as faithful believers in Jesus Christ; we are urged to live worthy of our calling, with all humility and gentleness, being patient and valuing unity (Eph 4:1-3). As in other places in Scripture, Paul uses the analogy of the human body - different parts, but one body. One body, of which we each have different roles. It is a call to unity but not uniformity. Unity with diversity. If God's Grace is the heart of this book, living in unity might be considered the hands and feet (v4-6).

To live in unity, we are called to put on our new selves, to walk in the light, to speak the truth, and to be kind, tenderhearted, and forgiving. We are to celebrate the riches of God's inheritance, ours because of His incomparable grace. We should then desire to live such that we build up and not tear down (v20-29). We are marked with the seal of the Holy Spirit (v30). We are saved by grace, through faith. There is no earning it, but there is a responsibility to it.

Week 6 Discussion Questions

1. It is truly incomprehensible that the God of the universe would sacrifice His own Son, and that his Son Jesus would willingly be sacrificed, for our salvation. How did realizing this truth change the way you see God?

2. How does that truth continue to impact you in your daily life?

3. How do you see unity in diversity being played out in the church?

Week 7 Discipleship Journey

Week 7 Reading Plan

Day 1:Ephesians 5:1-5

Day 2: Ephesians 5:6-14

Day 3: Ephesians 5:15-21

Day 4: Ephesians 5:22-33

Week 7 Journal Entry

“Wake up, sleeper, and rise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you” (Eph 5:14). Throughout this passage, Paul tells us what it means to live as children of light. But how did we become children of light? When Christ died and resurrected, He saved us from death and darkness; therefore, we are now “light in the Lord” (Eph 5:8). Jesus’ sacrifice saved us from the darkness of the grave! So, to be a child of light means to love like Jesus, to seek to understand the Lord’s will, and to honor one another in Christ-centered relationships.

As Jesus committed the ultimate act of love through His sacrifice, we are called to walk in love with one another in a similar manner. Walking in love means knowing our God’s love for us by being transformed by his words. It means to speak kindness, truth, and compassion over one another instead of falling into the competitive, corruptive, and rude patterns of the world. As children of God, we are not called to linger alone in our hurt, but to be encouraged by our brothers and sisters in Christ. Walking in love means we must be intentional and seek to understand why the Lord works in our lives in the way he does for our spiritual development and for the sake of encouraging others. We are not meant to walk alone, so encouragement from our brothers and sisters in Christ is crucial to spiritual development.

Another way we can love each other is to pursue Christ-centered relationships. According to Paul we must, “Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ” (Eph 5:21). Submission does not mean voicelessness, instead it means to love and honor one another in the same way that Christ has loved and honored us. Husbands are called to lead their families spiritually, while wives are called to teach their families what trust looks like. In understanding the Lord’s will over our lives, we whole-heartedly love, respect, and encourage each other during our journeys with the Lord. As children of light, we must go out into the world and spread love and truth!

Week 7 Discussion Questions

1. Throughout this passage, Paul tells us how to be children of light: “Have nothing to do with fruitless deeds of darkness, but rather expose them” (Ephesians 5:11).What does it mean to live in the light? What does it mean to expose what's dark to the light?

2. What do you think God’s reaction to our sin is when we expose it to the light?

3. What does respect look like in a Christ-centered relationship? Marriage? Friendship? How do you think they benefit from living a life of ownership of one’s own mistakes?

Week 8 Discipleship Journey

Week 8 Reading Plan

Day 1:Ephesians 6:1-4

Day 2: Ephesians 6:5-9

Day 3: Ephesians 6: 10-20

Day 4: Ephesians 6: 21-24

Week 8 Journal Entry

Ephesians 6:13-17 gives beautiful imagery of what spiritual armor looks like. Standing firm in truth and righteousness, sharing the gospel of peace, trusting in God through faith, receiving God’s salvation, and reading his word throughout the Bible. Our armor is not a physical suit, but a spiritual one. Unlike soldiers preparing for battle who train by sharpening their swords, we train by reading Scripture. These are not battles for possession of land, but for possession of our hearts.

In the spiritual realm, we get dressed in this armor primarily through prayer and encouragement. One translation says it this way, “Pray hard and long… Keep each other’s spirits up so that no one falls behind or drops out.” Another says putting on the armor “is done by prayer… asking him for all that is needed.” Sharing each other’s burdens and celebrations is an important part of the Christian life, whether we’re in the middle of a battle or not.

Paul reminds the Ephesians all throughout this passage that they are not alone in their battle. It’s not called “The Armor of the Believer” but “The Armor of God.” The power to fight comes from God alone. We can stand against the powers of darkness and spiritual forces because we’re already on the winning team. We can trust his mighty power to overcome any battle in our lives as we continually submit to him.

Week 8 Discussion Questions

1. Reflecting on Paul's description of a transformative process through faith and the influence of the Holy Spirit, how do you personally relate to the idea of continuous spiritual growth and transformation in your faith journey? What role has the Holy Spirit played in guiding this process?

2. When we think about Paul's call to offer ourselves as living sacrifices in view of God's mercy, how do you think this idea of worship through sacrifice aligns with modern concepts of spirituality and service?

3. How does the perspective on God's grace and righteousness conflict with the traditional thought process of earning salvation through rule following? How can this impact the way we view our faith journey?

Week 9 Discipleship Journey

Week 9 Reading Plan

Day 1:Philippians 1:1-11

Day 2: Philippians 1:12-26

Day 3: Philippians 1:27-30

Day 4: Philippians 2:1-4

Week 9 Journal Entry

Paul wrote his letter to the Philippians from a Roman prison, where he was incarcerated for preaching the Gospel. Despite his circumstances, this letter is all about joy. For Paul, prison was an opportunity, not a setback. He writes that what happened to him has served to advance the Gospel of Jesus. Most of his Christian brothers have been emboldened, not intimidated, to speak God’s word more courageously and fearlessly. He notes that even his guards recognize he is in chains for Christ (Phil 1:12-14).

It seems a strange attitude to those of us who live in a time and culture where comfort and freedom are prized above nearly everything else. Most of us do not have to contemplate being imprisoned or put to death for our faith. But Paul did not let his circumstances dictate his attitude. If he had, we would have missed out on much of the New Testament – his letters and the historical accounts of his missionary journeys.Instead, he spoke with joy and hope. But how is this possible?

The answer lies in Paul’s complete and total commitment to the Gospel, which came from his immense awareness of God’s deep love for him. Nothing was more important to him, not even his personal safety, freedom, or comfort. This former persecutor of the church had allowed his heart to be completely changed by Jesus.

Like Paul, when we are changed by Jesus and He is truly what it is all about for us, then we can see the priorities of each situation, we can have rest from our stirring, we can have a unified purpose for all our activities, and our conversation reflects that our attention has shifted from ourselves to God. It changes how we plan our training and growth, how we approach work and recreation, and how we develop our objectives for life.

Week 9 Discussion Questions

1. Paul tells the Philippians to do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit but in humility count others better than themselves (Phil 2:3). How is it possible to truly adapt this attitude and way of life?

2. We all crave happy experiences. Our nation’s Declaration of Independence lists the pursuit of happiness as a basic human right. But is happiness the same as the joy Paul experienced and wrote about? If not, what are the differences? Give some examples.

3. What setbacks in your own life have become opportunities to share Jesus? Share as you are comfortable.

Week 10 Discipleship Journey

Week 10 Reading Plan

Day 1: Philippians 2:5-11

Day 2: Philippians 2:12-18

Day 3: Philippians 2:19-30

Day 4: Philippians 3: 1-11

Week 10 Journal Entry

Paul begins this passage of scripture with a call to action from us: “ In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus.” He goes on to describe what that mindset is, which is the very essence of humility: “[Jesus] made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant,” and humbled himself by becoming obedient to death—even death on a cross!”

In a world where we spend the majority of our time thinking about how to take care of us—what we are going to eat, what we are going to wear, how successful we are going to be in our career, how much “me-time” we are going to carve out—Christ reminds us to think of others. To think less of ourselves and more of those around us. And to do that without complaint, but reverence and joy that you are following in the footsteps of Christ. Paul urges the Philippians to “continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling,” and “do everything without grumbling or arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure children of God…”.

To help put this concept of less grumbling into perspective, Paul updates the Philippians on his co-worker who had fallen ill and almost died. He encourages the Philippians that they must “welcome him in the Lord with great joy, and honor people like him, because he almost died for the work of Christ.” Once again, Paul points to the humility of sacrifice, of following Christ no matter the cost and for thinking beyond our day-to-day, but with eternity in mind. Paul says of his old life: “whatever were gains to me I now consider loss for the sake of Christ.” Now, his greatest joy is getting to know Christ each and every day, and getting a little bit closer to being like Christ. Paul goes as far to say; “I want to know Christ—yes, to know the power of his resurrection and participation in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, and so, somehow, attaining to the resurrection from the dead.” Paul understands that in death, there is resurrection. There is freedom in Christ no matter what we perceive as a “loss” on this earth—that there will always be resurrection power on the other side. That Jesus Christ saves, redeems, and lives in us today, now, and forever.

Week 10 Discussion Questions

1. What do you think it means to “Work out your salvation with fear and trembling”?

2. What does it mean to have the “same mindset as Christ Jesus” ? How can you live this out?

3. What does Paul’s teachings on the resurrection teach us about our current challenges and suffering?

Week 11 Discipleship Journey

Week 11 Reading Plan

Day 1: Philippians 3:12-21

Day 2: Philippians 4:1-9

Day 3: Philippians 4: 10-19

Day 4: Philippians 4:21-23

Week 11 Journal Entry

One thing I do, Forgetting what lies behind and Straining toward what lies ahead, I Press On toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. (Phil 3:13-14). Such emphatic words - Forgetting, Straining, Pressing. Paul famously shared in his letter to the Roman church about fighting against the challenge of not doing what he desired to do, and doing what he desired not to do (Rom 7:21-25). And here we find him, writing to the Philippian church much later in his life still straining and pressing. Why? Because Christ Jesus had made him His own, and he desired above all else to make Jesus his own. It's a journey, or a race as he has at other times referred to it, to realize our heavenly citizenship, at which time we will be transformed from our lowly bodies to glorious bodies (Phil 3:20-21).

We are challenged to forget what lies behind; challenges and failures, shame and regret, as we are called to look up and move forward (v16). It is also a call to forget previous attainments and victories. We strive and press on to stand firm (Phil 4:1), agree with, and rejoice in the Lord (v4). Being anxious for nothing. Instead, pray, ask, and trust, for that is the formula for peace (v6-7). We are what we think about, and God will be with us when we think about what is true, honorable, just, pure, lovely, commendable, excellent, and worthy of praise (v8).

A well-known Scripture verse is Philippians 4:13, where Paul says "I can do all things through Christ, who strengthens me." The context around this passage is equally compelling. Paul says he learned to be content in any circumstance, both good and bad. He learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance, and need (v11-12). And from that perspective, he says "I can do all things…". Paul learned the secret of genuine gratitude and thankfulness. He learned that having "enough" is a powerful way to live, and with that, he is open to the miracle and majesty of how God does supply every need, and often more.

Week 11 Discussion Questions

1. What does it mean to you to strive "toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus" (Phil 3:14)?

2. Paul exhorts us to think about what is true, honorable, just, lovely, commendable, excellent and worthy and praise. Obviously our world, our enemy the devil and our own sinful flesh would lead us in a different direction. How have you learned to practice Paul's exhortation to us?

3. What things do you feel make you more vulnerable to agreeing with the enemy rather than God’s way of thinking?

Week 12 Discipleship Journey

Week 12 Reading Plan

Day 1:Colossians 1:1-8

Day 2: Colossians 1:9-14

Day 3: Colossians 1:15-20

Day 4: Colossians 2:21-29

Week 12 Journal Entry

Paul begins this letter with a prayer for the Colossians. He focuses on three themes at the opening of his letter- faith, hope, and love. He reminds the church that faith and love only stem from our hope in Jesus. There is an emphasis on the theme of redemption in Christ. Paul says that as we grow in our knowledge of God we continue to bear more fruit with every good work (Col 1:10). When we enter in relationship with Jesus we are already justified through our faith. But, as we continue on our Christian journey we are continually sanctified as the fruits of our salvation are pruned. As we continue to pray and align ourselves with the knowledge of God, we are strengthened by His power (Col 1:11).

Paul talks about the importance of the supremacy of Christ. He discusses that God has always been and always will be. From Him all things are created (Col 1:16). Jesus is not only the agent of creation but the goal of creation. God sent Jesus to this Earth to bring Him honor and praise. Paul uses a metaphor comparing God as the head of the body of Christ. This speaks to His leadership, but also shows that He is providing nourishment for the well-being of the whole body (Col 1:18).

Week 12 Discussion Questions

1. What does having hope in Jesus mean to you?

2. Paul discusses how we are all justified through our faith when we begin our walk with Jesus, however the sanctification process is ongoing throughout our time here on this earth. Can you name some ways in which you have seen the Lord prune some fruits of your salvation as you have grown deeper in your relationship with Him?

3. One of the main themes of Colossians is the fullness of God. Through this fullness we share in Christs power. What are some ways you can acknowledge and be obedient to this authority in your life?

Week 13 Discipleship Journey

Week 13 Reading Plan

Day 1:Colossians 2:1-3

Day 2: Colossians 2:4-15

Day 3: Colossians 2:16-23

Day 4: Colossians 3:1-11

Week 13 Journal Entry

In Paul's letter to the Colossians, we are encouraged to understand the full riches of complete understanding in Christ. We and the Colossians are challenged to have discernment, diverting from anything that leads us away from the true and transformative power of living in union with Christ.

Expressing his desire for the Colossians to be encouraged in heart and united in love, Paul stresses that all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge are hidden in Christ. By being rooted and built up in Him, we can stand firm in our faith and remain overflowing with thankfulness (Col 2:3-7).

Paul shares how deeply he is struggling for the Colossians and not to be taken captive by hollow and deceptive philosophy. These are human traditions or even spiritual forces in the world (Col 2:8). At this time, his heart was desperate for the people of Colossae to hear this because some had not yet known Paul and the message he had brought and was to bring. He reminds them that in Christ all the fullness of God lived in bodily form, and in Him, were brought to fullness. This fullness liberates them from the need to adhere to religious rules and regulations such as food laws, festivals, and Sabbaths, which were merely shadows of the things that were to come (Col 2:16-17).

The same can be applied today. As believers, when we shift the focus to the practical things of being raised with Christ, we can set our hearts on things above. We can rid ourselves of anger, rage, malice, slander, and filthy language because of what Jesus fulfilled with His death and the sanctification the Holy Spirit is doing in us. Here, we put on a new self, which is being renewed in knowledge in the image of our Creator. This foundation encourages us to live out a deeper faith while having the assurance of our fullness in Christ, and experiencing the freedom and transformation that come with it.

Week 13 Discussion Questions

1. Are there any human traditions or philosophies that you’re allowing to take precedence over your faith in Christ? Are you living in freedom?

2. How does your life being "hidden with Christ in God" impact your sense of identity and purpose?

Week 14 Discipleship Journey

Week 14 Reading Plan

Day 1: Colossians 3:12-17

Day 2: Colossians 3:18-25

Day 3: Colossians 4:1-6

Day 4: Colossians 4:7-18

Week 14 Journal Entry

Paul is writing to the church in Colossae while suffering in prison. He not only instructs the early church on how to lead a God-honoring life but exemplifies what it means to allow the Holy Spirit to refine and renew your heart. Paul did not let his circumstances define his heart's posture towards the Lord or the world. Instead, Paul fully welcomes the Holy Spirit to transform his heart and bear fruit: compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience, even while imprisoned (Col 3:12). Today, we still benefit from Paul’s fruit of writing this letter to the Colossians. His words instruct us how to live as members of the body of Christ.

This is a body made up of many parts, all working together. As individuals, we live to glorify God by cleansing ourselves of our old ways and accepting the new life God offers us; “You used to walk in these ways, in the life you once lived. But now you must also rid yourselves of all such things as these: anger, rage, malice, slander, and filthy language from your lips” (Col 3: 7-8). In ridding ourselves of old sins, we can create room for the Holy Spirit to further refine our hearts, making us more like Jesus. From there, we can live in peace individually and in the community.

For the body of Christ to thrive, its members must act as billboards of love and encouragement. Paul says, “Be wise in the way you act towards outsiders; make the most of every opportunity” (Col 4:5). As we are called to preach the gospel, we are also called to act in love and kindness towards everyone. Members of the body of Christ are to listen and pray for wisdom from the Lord to know how to answer all questions with grace. When we let the Holy Spirit lead our hearts and conversations, we will bear the fruits. To be a member of the body of Christ means to love in a way that the world does not understand.

Week 14 Discussion Questions

1. Paul tells us to “let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace” (Col 3:15). What does it mean for Christ to rule in your heart? Name a few ways you can be obedient to this call.

2. As we are called to live a life that glorifies the Lord we are promised a heavenly inheritance, “since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving” (Col 4:24). What are a few practices you can implement in order to glorify God in every aspect of your life?

3. Towards the end of his letter, Paul says: “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters” (Col 3:23). How can we apply Paul’s advice to our everyday pursuit of the Lord?

Meet Our Authors

Hannah Fry:

Hannah Rowen Fry is a writer and speaker passionate about helping people live into their God-purpose. Her thoughtful reflections on Scripture invite those who feel overwhelmed to slow down, choose simplicity, and experience greater joy in the present moment.

CHuck Cova:

Chuck loves the Lord and loves helping others find their way to a purposeful life through teaching, writing and coaching. Chuck and Pam, his wife of 38 years, are recent transplants to Jacksonville (from Michigan) and feel blessed to call Beach their new church home.

Paul Pinckham:

Paul came to Jacksonville as a newspaper reporter in 1990 and now works as an investigator for the Federal Defender's Office. He and his beloved wife Beth recently celebrated their 20th wedding anniversary and live in Baymeadows with their dog Miles.

Ireland Kane:

Ireland is a life group leader at Beach Church. She enjoys writing poems in her free time and hopes to publish a collection of writing in the near future. She finds joy from community with her brothers and sisters in Christ.

Teré Bowman:

Teré Bowman is a working college student directing at a local Chick-fil-A while serving at Beach Church. He will soon graduate with a Bachelor’s degree in Applied Ministry with a minor in Business Leadership.

Jordan Salsburg:

Jordan is an Interior Designer and enjoys that her job allows her to do what she loves creatively and also pursue intentional relationships with people, which she is passionate about. In her spare time she loves anything outdoors- but especially the beach.

Kelsey Schurer:

Born and raised in Jacksonville Beach, FL, Kelsey Schurer is a writer and editor who loves all things reading, writing, painting, and beach-going. She received an MFA in Fiction from Virginia Tech University and a BA in creative writing from Florida State University. A passionate follower of Jesus Christ, she believes there is no pit too deep that God cannot pull you out.