Sunday School Lesson April 24, 2024
Subject: Growing In Christ
The Point: We should encourage and help one another grow in Christ.
Scriptures: Colossians 1:9-14, 21-29
Study The Bible: Colossians 1:9-14
1). Grow in godly character and fruitfulness.
- For this reason also, since the day we heard this, we haven’t stopped praying for you. We are asking that you may be filled with the knowledge of his will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding,
- so that you may walk worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to him; bearing fruit in every good work and growing in the knowledge of God,
- being strengthened with all power, according to his glorious might, so that you may have great endurance and patience, joyfully,
- giving thanks to the Father, who has enabled you to share in the saint’s inheritance in the light.
- He has rescued us from the domain of darkness and transferred us into the kingdom of the Son he loves.
- In him we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.
Lasting truths from: Colossians 1:9-14
* While we are to pray for the many needs that others have, don’t overlook praying for their spiritual growth as brothers and sisters in Christ.
* Spiritual growth is a product of submitting to the grace of God. Our greatest joy as believers comes in knowing and doing the will of God.
* Those who live in Christ can share in His glorious blessing both now and in eternity.
2). Stand firmly grounded in Christ.
Colossians 1:21-23
- Once you were alienated and hostile in your minds as expressed in your evil actions.
- But now he has reconciled you by his physical body through his death, to present you holy fatherless, and blameless before him—
- If indeed you remain grounded and standfast in the faith and are not shifted away from the hope of the gospel that you heard. This gospel has been proclaimed in all creation under heaven, and I, Paul, have become a servant of it.
Lasting truths from: Colossians 1:21-23
* Though we are alienated from and hostile toward God, in Christ we are reconciled to Him.
* Those who are reconciled to God will demonstrate it by living pure lives before Him and others.
* We are challenged to be grounded steadfast and sure in the gospel of Jesus Christ as a witness to the hope we have in Him.
3). Encourage others to mature in Christ.
Colossians 1:24-29
- Now I rejoice in my sufferings for you, and I am completing in my flesh what is lacking in Christ’s afflictions for his body, that is, the church.
- I have become its servant, according to God’s commission that was given to me for you, to make the word of God fully known,
- the mystery hidden for ages and generations but now revealed to his saints.
- God wanted to make known among the Gentiles the glorious wealth of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory.
- We proclaim him, warning and teaching everyone with all wisdom, so that we may present everyone mature in Christ.
- I labor for this, striving with his strength that works powerfully in me.
Lasting truths from: Colossians 1:24-29
* Believers can rejoice at the privilege of suffering for Christ as they service Him and His church.
* Believers have the responsibility to engage in faithful ministry according to God’s call that encourages others to become more mature in Christ.
* Believers are not to be complacent about their relationship with Christ but ever strive to grow and mature in it.
As you reflect on this session, respond to the following questions:
- How are you helping someone grow in godly character and spiritual fruitfulness?
- What are some things you do for yourself to be more firmly grounded in Christ?
- What evidence in your life points to a growing maturity in Christ?
Closing Prayer:
“Dear God, I know I am a sinner. I believe Jesus died on the cross to forgive me of my sins and rose from the dead to give me new life. I’m sorry for all the wrong I’ve done and ask You to forgive me. I now accept Your gift of eternal life. Thank You for Your love, forgiveness, and a new life in Jesus Christ. From this day forward, I choose to follow You. In Jesus’ name Amen.”
“If this lesson has been a blessing to you, leave us a comment.”