CG Lesson #4: Colossians 3:15

I. WELCOME
Question: When you have had a rough or chaotic day, and you desire for more peace in
your life, what do you do/where do you go?

II. WORSHIP
Choose one or two songs of thanksgiving.

III. WORD
Deep, authentic peace is something everyone wants, yet few seem to find. It can be
described as ‘tranquillity’, ‘harmony’, or ‘security’. Or depending on the situation, it could
even relate to ‘prosperity’ or ‘well-being’.

There are many different types of peace, including false peace, inner peace, peace with
God, and peace with man. Of these different types, the most important, by far, is peace
with God because we all have sin in our lives, making us ‘at war’ with God until we
surrender and submit to His Lordship.

This is why Romans 5:1 says, “Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we
have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.” Because Jesus died on the cross for
us, when we put our faith in Him, then we will have peace with God.

Colossians 3:15 says, “Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one
body you were called to peace. And be thankful.”

Discussion Question 1: Choosing from false peace, inner peace, peace with God and peace
with man, which type of peace do you think Colossians 3:15 refers to?

As Sean McDowell has described, many Christians tend to relate this verse to inner peace.
It can be tempting to interpret it as saying that, if you are worried or troubled, you should
let the peace of Christ rule in your heart, and then you will have true inner peace.

However, when you read the entire chapter of Colossians 3, verse 15 is clearly referring to
peace with man, dealing with interpersonal relationships. The chapter contains a list of
things that people do to each other that disrupt interpersonal peace, and also refers to
racial and social boundaries that caused disunity among people.

Then, in verse 12-14, there is a beautiful command given: “Therefore, as God’s chosen
people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility,
gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a
grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put
on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.”

Discussion Question 2: Which of these 5 characteristics to ‘clothe ourselves’ with, is most

challenging for you? Why? (Compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, patience.)

In the video, there is an interesting assertion that many believers have taken Colossians
3:15 as one of the verses encouraging them to make decisions based on the inner peace
they feel when they consider the different options. Sean implies that it may not be the
best way, or the only way, to figure out the will of God for important decisions in our lives.

Discussion Question 3a: How many of us here have made decisions based on the inner
peace we feel?

Discussion Question 3b: What are some ways to discern the will of God for our lives other
than how much peace we feel about a certain decision?

If we have used peace as the primary means to try to discern God’s will, let us consider
that there are many other ways that God reveals His plan and intent. To name a few:

• The Word of God – everything should be aligned to His Word (2 Timothy 3:16-17)
• Consecration of our lives – God speaks to surrendered vessels (Romans 12:1-12)
• Prayer – Faith-filled prayer is the foundation for our lives (Matthew 6:9-13)
• Intimate Relationship – It’s easier to be in tune with God’s voice when we are in
close, daily relationship with Him (John 15:5)
• Godly counsel from mature Christians – Wisdom from others (Proverbs 12:15)
• Common sense – Sometimes, God works through miracles, and sometimes
through our God-given ability to analyse and reason (Proverbs 23:19)
• Understanding stewardship – We are stewards of all God has entrusted to us
including our time, talents, treasures, health and spiritual gifting (Luke 19:11-26)
• The leading of the Holy Spirit – Sensitivity to the guidance of the Spirit (John 14:26)

IV. WORKS
Application for today: Colossians 3:13 asks us to bear with each other and forgive one
another if we have a grievance against someone, reminding us that we are to forgive just
as we have received the divine forgiveness of our Lord.

Is there someone in your life today that you have not forgiven? Would you bring that name
to God today, surrender it to Him, and believe that in the coming season, there will be a
God-given opportunity for reconciliation? Let us pray for each other.

Announcements:

• Join us as we celebrate the Reopening of Maranatha Hall this Sunday! (10 Mar)
• Prayer Encounter next Tuesday (12 Mar)