TLCC CARE Sheet 4/17/11 "Empty Traditions, Deceptive Philosophies and Human Commands" Colossians 2:8-23 Sermon 3 of 4

ICE BREAKER

  • Describe a youthful ritual  or tradition you thought was fantastic as a kid, but now… seems rather ridiculous practically speaking.
  • Are you still drawn to want to enjoy that tradition or ritual once in a while?  Why?”

Title: “Empty Traditions, Deceptive Philosophies and Human Commands”

Text: Colossians 2:8-23

CONNECTING TO THE TEXT:

  1. What are some hollow traditions that according to Colossians 2:8-12 seemed to spoil Christians with “vain deceit” back in the first Century?
  2. What does Paul describe as an element that ties us to the death and resurrection of Christ? Col. 2:12
  3. What do other Scriptures say about the need to “check out” popular concepts for their veracity? Psalm 1:1,2; 119:130; 146:3-6; Proverbs 2:3-6; 3:5-7; Isaiah 55:8,9; I Thessalonians 5:21; II Timothy 2:15

CONNECTING TO OUR LIVES:

  1. What are seven signs of a self-deceived Christian?
  2. What are some hollow traditions that according to Colossians 2:8-12 seem to spoil Christians today with “vain deceit?”
  3. How can the Communion time help you define whether you are struggling with self deception?
  4. Here is an excellent book chronicling some individual’s pathway of leaving their lifelong faiths in order to find Jesus.   "The Unexpected Journey."  Take a look at just the chapter topics for an interesting perspective.

CONNECTING TO THE CHURCH:

  1. Does it seem strange that in Colossians 2 Paul severely warns Christian to not get caught up with traditions that are only symbolic of Christ and yet cause debate or argument in the church…and then points to baptism as a valid “event” (aka known some to be a tradition/ritual) tying a person to Jesus death and resurrection?  So… is baptism in Paul’s mind a symbolic ritual or something more important?
  2. Does this passage have anything to say regarding topics like Saturday evening worship services, styles of music, or using church buildings in unique or traditional ways?

 

NEXT SUNDAY:

Title: “The Living, Crucified, Dead, Resurrected, Victorious Savior”  ”

Text: Colossians 1:15-23

  1. Based upon all of the references to “him,” “he,” “his,” “himself,” what does this passage tell us about Jesus?
  2. What kinds of “authorities” are there that Jesus is over?
  3. What does “preeminence” mean? Col 1:18
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