Faith, Community, and Hope in Unstable Times
Summary
In a world that often feels unstable and ever-changing, it is a profound gift to have a faith that serves as a solid foundation—one that enables us to weather any storm, knowing that Jesus is always with us. Drawing from Colossians 1, we are reminded that once we were alienated from God, but through Christ’s sacrifice, we have been reconciled, made holy, and set free from accusation. This is not just a theological truth but a lived reality: we are invited to lay down both our frustrations and our celebrations at the feet of Jesus, focusing our hearts on worship and gratitude.
Community is at the heart of the Christian journey. Faith is not meant to be lived in isolation; rather, it flourishes in the context of relationships. Paul’s letter to the Colossians, co-authored with Timothy and referencing others like Epaphras, underscores the importance of doing life together. It is within community that we find encouragement, support, and transformation. God often works through people—sometimes through a timely word or a simple act of kindness—to bring hope and healing. Discipleship happens not just in rows on Sunday mornings, but around tables and in small groups, where we share our lives and grow together.
Paul’s prayer for the Colossians highlights four spiritual markers: bearing fruit, growing in the knowledge of God, being strengthened, and joyfully giving thanks. These are not just ideals but practical signposts for our own journey. A life rooted in Christ naturally bears fruit—acts of love, forgiveness, and service that flow from the transformative power of the gospel. This love is not mere sentiment; it is a choice, empowered by the Spirit, to love and forgive others regardless of differences or past hurts.
The gospel is not stagnant; it is alive and growing, bearing fruit in our lives and in the world. We are called to create environments where others can encounter Jesus, just as we have. This means loving all people, regardless of background, and being willing to forgive and reconcile. Even in seasons of darkness or difficulty, there is always hope, because God is not finished with us. We are rescued from darkness and brought into the kingdom of light, and this journey is one we are invited to share with others.
Gratitude is a hallmark of the Christian life. Even in challenging times, there is always something to be thankful for. As we give thanks, serve, and support one another, we participate in God’s ongoing work of redemption and transformation in our community and beyond.
Key Takeaways
- Community is Essential for Spiritual Growth
Faith is not a solitary pursuit; it is designed to be lived out in community. True transformation often happens through relationships, where God uses others to encourage, challenge, and support us. When we isolate ourselves, we miss out on the fullness of what God intends for us, as discipleship and spiritual growth are deeply rooted in shared life. [18:44]
- The Gospel Bears Fruit and Compels Us to Love
A genuine encounter with Jesus inevitably leads to a life that bears fruit—acts of love, forgiveness, and service. This fruit is not just evidence of personal transformation but also a testimony to the truth and power of the gospel. We are called to create spaces where others can experience this same hope and love, extending grace even when it is difficult. [36:05]
- Love is a Choice, Not Just a Feeling
The love that marks the Christian life goes beyond emotion; it is a Spirit-empowered decision to love and forgive, regardless of differences or past wounds. This radical love breaks down barriers of class, race, and opinion, reflecting the inclusive heart of God. Choosing to love in this way is both a challenge and a privilege, and it is central to our witness in the world. [37:49]
- Gratitude in Every Season
Giving thanks is not reserved for easy times; it is a discipline that sustains us through hardship. Even when circumstances are difficult, there is always something to be grateful for, and expressing gratitude shifts our perspective and anchors us in God’s faithfulness. Joyful thanksgiving is a sign of spiritual maturity and a source of strength for the journey. [43:27]
- Hope in the Midst of Darkness
No matter how dark or disappointing life may feel, God is not finished with us. The promise of the gospel is that we are rescued from darkness and brought into the kingdom of light. This hope is not wishful thinking but a confident trust that God is working all things together for good, even when the outcome is different than we expect. [45:04]
Youtube Chapters
[00:00] - Welcome
[00:45] - Scripture Reading: Colossians 1:21-23
[03:12] - Opening Prayer and Worship
[06:00] - Community and Connection
[10:30] - Faith as a Foundation in Unstable Times
[13:50] - The Power of Community in Spiritual Growth
[18:44] - God Works Through People
[24:46] - Paul’s Prayer and the One True God
[34:38] - The Chiastic Structure and the Heart of the Gospel
[36:05] - The Gospel Bears Fruit
[37:49] - Radical Love and Forgiveness
[41:03] - Four Spiritual Markers: Paul’s Prayer
[43:27] - Gratitude in All Circumstances
[45:04] - Hope for Those in Darkness
[46:46] - Living Out Love in the Community
[47:33] - Closing Prayer
[54:21] - Thank You to Volunteers and Givers
[57:00] - Announcements and Upcoming Picnic
Study Guide
Small Group Bible Study Guide: Rooted in Christ, Growing in Community
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### Bible Reading
Colossians 1:21-23 (ESV)
> 21 And you, who once were alienated and hostile in mind, doing evil deeds,
> 22 he has now reconciled in his body of flesh by his death, in order to present you holy and blameless and above reproach before him,
> 23 if indeed you continue in the faith, stable and steadfast, not shifting from the hope of the gospel that you heard, which has been proclaimed in all creation under heaven, and of which I, Paul, became a minister.
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### Observation Questions
1. According to Colossians 1:21-23, what was our condition before Christ, and what has changed because of Him?
2. In the sermon, what are some specific ways the pastor described community as essential for spiritual growth? [[18:44]]
3. What four spiritual markers did Paul pray for the Colossians to experience in their lives? [[41:03]]
4. How does Paul describe the gospel’s effect in the world and in the lives of believers? [[36:05]]
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### Interpretation Questions
1. Why does Paul emphasize that faith is not meant to be lived in isolation, but in community? How does this shape our understanding of discipleship? [[18:44]]
2. The sermon mentions that love is a choice, not just a feeling. What does it mean for love to be a Spirit-empowered decision, and why is this important for Christian community? [[37:49]]
3. What does it look like for the gospel to “bear fruit” in someone’s life? How can we recognize this fruit in ourselves or others? [[36:05]]
4. The pastor said that gratitude is a discipline that sustains us through hardship. Why might giving thanks in difficult times be a sign of spiritual maturity? [[43:27]]
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### Application Questions
1. The sermon highlighted that community is essential for spiritual growth. Are there any ways you have isolated yourself from Christian community? What is one step you could take this week to connect more deeply with others? [[18:44]]
2. Think about a time when someone in the church encouraged or supported you in a way that made a difference. How can you be that person for someone else this month? [[18:44]]
3. The gospel compels us to love and forgive, even when it’s hard. Is there someone in your life you find difficult to love or forgive? What is one practical thing you could do to move toward reconciliation or show kindness to them? [[37:49]]
4. Paul’s prayer includes “bearing fruit” and “growing in the knowledge of God.” What is one area where you want to see more spiritual fruit in your life? What is a specific action you can take to pursue growth in that area? [[41:03]]
5. The pastor said that gratitude is a discipline, not just a feeling. What is one thing you are thankful for right now, even if life feels hard? How can you make gratitude a regular part of your daily routine? [[43:27]]
6. The sermon reminded us that hope remains, even in dark or disappointing seasons. Is there an area of your life where you feel stuck in darkness or disappointment? How can you invite God and your community to support you in that area? [[45:04]]
7. The message encouraged us to create environments where others can encounter Jesus. What is one way you can help make your home, workplace, or small group a place where people feel welcomed and experience God’s love? [[36:05]]
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Closing Prayer Suggestion:
Invite group members to share one thing they are thankful for and one area where they need hope or support. Pray together, asking God to help you grow in love, gratitude, and community.
Devotional
Day 1: Jesus Reconciles Us and Gives Us a Firm Foundation
Through Christ’s sacrifice, we are reconciled to God, made holy and blameless, and given a hope that anchors us through every storm. No matter how unstable or chaotic life may feel, Jesus’ finished work on the cross is our unshakable foundation—He promises to be with us in every season, never leaving or forsaking us, and invites us to hold fast to the hope of the gospel. When we remember that we have been rescued from darkness and brought into the kingdom of light, we can face any challenge with confidence, knowing our identity and future are secure in Him. [03:12]
Colossians 1:21-23 (NIV)
"Once you were alienated from God and were enemies in your minds because of your evil behavior. But now he has reconciled you by Christ’s physical body through death to present you holy in his sight, without blemish and free from accusation—if you continue in your faith, established and firm, and do not move from the hope held out in the gospel. This is the gospel that you heard and that has been proclaimed to every creature under heaven, and of which I, Paul, have become a servant."
Reflection: What is one area of your life that feels unstable or uncertain right now? How can you intentionally remind yourself today that Jesus is your unshakable foundation in that area?
Day 2: The Gospel Bears Fruit in Us and Through Us
When we truly receive the message of Jesus—His love, grace, and redemption—our lives naturally begin to bear fruit, both in our character and in the way we impact others. The gospel is not meant to be kept to ourselves; as we are transformed, we are compelled to create environments where others can encounter God’s love, hope, and truth. This fruitfulness is a sign that the gospel is alive and growing, not just in us, but in our community and the world, as we share and demonstrate the love we have received. [36:05]
Colossians 1:6 (NIV)
"In the same way, the gospel is bearing fruit and growing throughout the whole world—just as it has been doing among you since the day you heard it and truly understood God’s grace."
Reflection: Who is one person you can intentionally encourage or serve today, so that they might experience the fruit of the gospel through you?
Day 3: Community is Essential for Spiritual Growth
Faith is not meant to be lived out in isolation; God designed us to grow, be encouraged, and be transformed within the context of community. When we gather, share, and support one another, we experience the fullness of what God intends for us—receiving encouragement, strength, and hope through others, and offering the same in return. Even when it feels difficult or when we’ve been hurt, pressing into community allows God to work through His people to bring healing, growth, and transformation. [24:46]
Hebrews 10:24-25 (ESV)
"And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near."
Reflection: Is there a step you can take this week to deepen your connection with your church community—perhaps joining a group, reaching out to someone, or offering encouragement to another?
Day 4: Love for All is the Mark of the Gospel
The love we receive from God is not just a feeling, but a choice and a calling to love others—regardless of differences, mistakes, or circumstances. True gospel love breaks down barriers of class, race, and opinion, compelling us to forgive, show kindness, and extend grace just as we have received it. When we choose to love all people, even when it’s hard, we reflect the heart of Jesus and bear witness to the transforming power of His love in our lives. [39:10]
John 13:34-35 (ESV)
"A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another."
Reflection: Who is someone you find it difficult to love or forgive? What is one practical way you can show them Christlike love this week?
Day 5: Gratitude and Hope in Every Season
No matter what season of life we are in—whether joyful or challenging—there is always something to be thankful for because of what God has done for us. Gratitude is not just a response to good times, but a discipline that shifts our focus to God’s faithfulness, His rescue from darkness, and the hope we have in Christ. As we practice joyful thanksgiving, even in hard times, we are strengthened, filled with endurance, and reminded that God is still at work in our lives. [43:27]
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 (ESV)
"Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you."
Reflection: What is one specific thing—big or small—that you can thank God for today, even if your circumstances are difficult? How can you express that gratitude in a tangible way?
Quotes
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