Lordship (Counting the Cost)

The purpose of the study is to understand what it means and takes to make Jesus Lord of your life. In the gospels, following Jesus is called discipleship. In the epistles, following Jesus is called Lordship. When we become disciples of Jesus, he becomes Lord of every aspect of our lives.

 

Colossians 2:6-7

Continue to live your lives in him – Being a disciple is a life-long journey. Rooted and built up in him – We have to continue to grow in our faith and convictions. Strengthened in what you were taught – It is critical to stay grounded in the basics!

 

Colossians 3:1-4

Jesus is Lord of our Character and Attitude. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things – We learn to process the world differently as Christ’s followers. We have a different perspective.

 

You died and your life is now hidden with Christ – We must strive to think of heavenly and spiritual things. This is why we need daily prayer, Bible study, meditation, and fellowship. How do we set our minds on things above on a daily basis?

 

Colossians 3:5-10 (reflect back to sin study)

Put to death whatever belongs to your earthly nature – no more anger and rage.  No more slander and gossip. No more lies. No more selfish ambition. No more lust and impurity. Put on the new self, which is being renewed – being a follower of Jesus requires constant renewal. Are you committed to dying to your sinful nature daily? What do you believe your greatest challenges will be?

 

Colossians 3:12-17

Jesus is Lord of our Relationships. Clothe yourselves with…We are to live in imitation of Christ in our relationships. Which of these characteristics are the most difficult for you to “put on”? Forgive as the Lord forgave you – God’s forgiveness is our standard. How would you describe the forgiveness you will receive in baptism? Are you ready to forgive those that have sinned against you? Is there any particular person that you are struggling to forgive?

 

Colossians 3:18-25

Wives, husbands, children, fathers – God cares deeply about our family life. What changes do you need to make to fulfill the family role that God has given you? Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord – When we are at work, we are serving the Lord. What do you need to change at work/school to be a model Christian employee/student?

 

2 Corinthians 6:14-18

Do not be yoked together with unbelievers – Do not get harnessed in intimate relationships with unbelievers. What kind of relationships do you think the Bible is describing here? Come out from them and be separate – When our purpose and passion is to serve God, it changes our closest and most intimate relationships. What relationships do you have that could pull you away from God?

 

Matthew 6:19-24

Jesus is Lord of our finances. Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth – As a follower of Jesus, we are told to not invest financially in the things that the world invests in. How will this change your financial focus as a disciple? Store up for yourselves treasures in heaven – Jesus shares this in contrast to storing up treasures on earth. We do this instead of working for financial gain. What do you think it means to store up treasures in heaven? You cannot serve both God and money – Why? What happens?

 

1 Corinthians 15:58-16:2

Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord – We are to give everything to God’s purposes; time, energy, and money. Set aside a sum of money in keeping with your income – Paul communicates that our giving to the church should be regular and proportional to what we make. Are you committed to giving to the work of the Lord financially on a regular basis?

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Acts 2:42-47

They devoted themselves – Immediately following the 3000 baptisms at Pentecost, we see these new converts devoted to each other, a spiritual focus, and the work of the Lord. How did they put into practice the three attitudes we studied today? What was the result? Are you willing to make Jesus Lord of every area of your life? Do you think it is worth the cost?