6.28.26 – Treasuring Jesus: Colossians 1:1–8
INTRO
As we begin our study of Colossians, Paul introduces us to an ordinary church made up of ordinary believers whose lives displayed an extraordinary treasure—Jesus Christ. Before Paul addresses any problems in the church, he celebrates the evidence of the gospel already at work among them. Their faith, love, and hope had become visible because the gospel had taken root and was bearing fruit.
The opening verses also remind us that what we truly treasure will always reveal itself. Our priorities are seen in what we consistently communicate, demonstrate, and celebrate. The question for us is simple: What does my life say I treasure?
MAIN POINT: Jesus is our greatest treasure, and when we truly treasure Him, the gospel will shape what we say, how we live, and what we celebrate.
SCRIPTURE-DRIVEN DISCUSSION
Begin by reading Colossians 1:1–8 aloud together. Before moving into the questions, spend a few minutes discussing what stood out to you from the passage.
Additional references from the sermon include Galatians 1:10, Romans 1:1, Philippians 1:1, Titus 1:1, 1 Corinthians 13:13, 1 Thessalonians 5:18, James 3:16, and Matthew 28:18–20.
APPLICATION QUESTIONS
Q1: What does your life communicate about what you treasure?
Reminder: Trace began by asking, ‘What do you consistently communicate, demonstrate, and celebrate?’ We naturally talk about what we treasure.
– If your family, friends, or coworkers described what you value most, what would they say?
– In what ways are you intentionally communicating Christ to those around you?
Q2: How is the gospel being demonstrated in your everyday life?
Reminder: Paul thanked God because the Colossians’ faith and love flowed out of their hope in Christ.
– Where do you see faith, hope, and love growing in your life?
– Is there a relationship or situation where God is calling you to demonstrate the love of Christ more clearly?
Q3: What are you celebrating—and why?
Reminder: Paul celebrated God’s work in others even while sitting in prison. Comparison kills celebration.
– Is gratitude or comparison more characteristic of your heart right now?
– What evidence of God’s grace in your life or in someone else’s can you intentionally celebrate this week?
LET’S REMEMBER:
What we treasure is eventually revealed by the pattern of our lives. When Jesus is our greatest treasure, we will naturally communicate Him, demonstrate His love, and celebrate His work. The gospel doesn’t simply change our destination—it changes our daily lives.
CLOSING PRAYER
Lord, thank You for giving us the hope of the gospel through Jesus Christ. Shape our hearts so that He becomes our greatest treasure. Help us communicate Him boldly, demonstrate His love faithfully, and celebrate Your grace joyfully. May our lives point others to Christ. Amen.