08-08-2021

08-08-2021
Dr. E. Dale Locke (West, East and Online), Pastor Efrain Silva (Español)
Sermon Series: Rooted
Week 2: Coming of Age
English PDF file for printing.
Para imprimir el archivo PDF en Español

1. Read our memory verse from Paul’s letter to the Christians in Colossae, which is in modern day Turkey. Colossians 2:6–7: So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live your lives in him, rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness.

2. This sermon series is about how we grow spiritually. Pastor Dale said, “You can’t grow up until you grow down.” What did he mean by that?

3. Life requires deep roots, if you’re going to accomplish life goals that really matter – goals like a faithful marriage, thriving children, deep friendships, an honorable career, perseverance in ministry.  What are some life goals that you couldn’t have reached – or some future life goals that you know you won’t reach – without deep roots in your Christian faith?  Share about how deep-rooted faith makes a difference.

4.  Deep spiritual roots are also essential to make it through uncertain, frightening and unclear times.  Share about a time when your faith helped you get through a difficult season.

Only living things which are deeply rooted have the potential to manifest the greatest value. 

5. Read Galatians 4:12-19: I plead with you, brothers and sisters, become like me, for I became like you. You did me no wrong. 13 As you know, it was because of an illness that I first preached the gospel to you, 14 and even though my illness was a trial to you, you did not treat me with contempt or scorn. Instead, you welcomed me as if I were an angel of God, as if I were Christ Jesus himself. 15 Where, then, is your blessing of me now? I can testify that, if you could have done so, you would have torn out your eyes and given them to me. 16 Have I now become your enemy by telling you the truth?

     17 Those people are zealous to win you over, but for no good. What they want is to alienate you from us, so that you may have zeal for them. 18 It is fine to be zealous, provided the purpose is good, and to be so always, not just when I am with you. 19 My dear children, for whom I am again in the pains of childbirth until Christ is formed in you…

6. The background to this letter to the Galatians is that Paul was defending the church against people who were trying to make Christianity something it was never meant to be. Judaizers were Jewish converts to Christianity who insisted that Gentile believers had to adopt Jewish customs and follow Jewish laws in order to be saved. Paul opposed this, because he knew the gospel is based on grace alone, not on keeping the law.  Paul was the perfect person to tackle this problem, because he had personally tried the law route, and it didn’t work for him! 

What’s the problem with adding legalism and rule-keeping as ways to earn God’s favor?

Paul pleads with them about two things: 

Become Like Me: (Galatians 4:12)

7. It may sound strange for Paul to ask them to become like him and to imitate him.  Why can Paul say that? 

8. Share about a time when you tried to teach someone how to master something, and you really wanted to help them get it right.  What are some things you did to try to help them? 

Become Like Christ…Completely: (Galatians 4:19)

9. It’s so important to Paul that the Galatian Christians become fully formed – completely like Christ – that he “pleads” with them and even compares himself to a mother in the pain of childbirth.  Why is this so urgent to Paul that they become completely Christlike? 

10. Pastor Dale shared five questions that John Wesley, the founder of the Methodist renewal movement, asked in all of his small group gatherings:

1) Do you have faith in Christ alone?

2) Are you going on to perfection?

3) Do you expect to be made perfect in love in this life?

4) Are you striving after it?

5) Are you resolved to devote yourself wholly to God and his work?

Go through these five questions and answer each one honestly for yourself.

11. Based on your answers to these questions, is there a next step you would like to take spiritually?

Ready for your next step? – If you would like to take a next step in your faith journey, such as trusting your life to Christ or getting baptized, text the word “Next” to 561-264-6079 and follow the steps there, and we’ll contact you to help you do that.

News and Announcements:

·      New Here?  Let us know who you are by texting “connect” to 561-264-6079.

·      Connections Wednesdays, 7pm: This 4-week class is the best way to get more connected at COH and grow in your understanding of how to live the Christian life. You’ll learn about our church’s mission, values, and statement of faith and what partnership involves. If you wish, at the end of the four weeks, you can become a Community of Hope partner, which opens more opportunities for leadership and service. The West Campus class starts on August 11. The East Campus class starts on August 18. Both classes will be held in person, but you can also attend the class over Zoom. Register at: https://communityofhope.church/connections

·      Groups Launch Season:  If you’re not in a small group, we want you to know that we offer three types of small groups at COH:

o   Community Groups provide an opportunity to experience friendship, Bible discussion, prayer and spiritual growth. These groups stay together for at least one school year - often longer - doing various Bible studies. They are the foundation of our church’s support and care network.

o   Support Groups help you get through a challenging season of life such as grief, divorce, mental illness, or recovery. These groups are open to anyone, whether you attend COH or not, so feel free to invite a friend!

o   Topical Groups are short-term groups that offer practical teaching in a specific area.

To get connected to a group, just fill out the form at communityofhope.church/groups

·      College Moms Prayer Group:  If you're the mom of a college student or have a young adult child serving in the military, you're invited to join one of our College Moms Prayer Groups. We meet once a month throughout the school year to make care packages and pray for our college-age kids. Register here or on the Groups page on our website. 

·      Moms Meet-up Group:  Wednesdays, 9:30am at our West Campus. This is a place where moms of preschoolers can connect with other moms and grow in their parenting skills. Childcare provided. Invite a friend!  Register at communityofhope.church/groups

·      We need you!  Community of Hope needs more people serving, especially on Sundays. Whether you took a break due to the pandemic or you’re new to serving, we invite you to join a serving team that fits you. Go to https://communityofhope.church/serve

·      COH Has Job Openings!  Learn more at https://communityofhope.church/employment

·      Thank you for your financial support, which makes it possible for us to minister to you and to our community!  Consider setting up automated giving to help you be consistent even when you’re traveling. To give to Community of Hope go to https://communityofhope.church/give.