1. What Have I Received?

10/05/25

Opening Discussion:  Share about a time when you received an unexpected or generous gift. How did it make you feel?

Key Scripture:  Colossians 2:6-7  As you received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in him, rooted and built up in him and established in the faith, just as you were taught, abounding in thanksgiving.

Key Takeaways:

• God has lavished numerous blessings on us when we receive Christ.
• Our salvation is secure in Christ – we can't lose it.
• Our identity is rooted in being children of God, not in worldly status.
• We have freedom in Christ, led by the Spirit rather than religious rules.
• We're called to a purpose and equipped with spiritual gifts to serve.
• Gratitude should be our response to God's generosity.

Discussion Questions:

1.  Read Ephesians 1:3-14.  You have received ‘every spiritual blessing in Christ’ (v3).  The sermon mentioned several blessings we receive when we put our faith in Jesus.  Which of these stood out to you the most and why? 

     a)  What are the specific ways you've experienced God's lavish grace in your life? 

     b)  How does understanding the extent of God's generosity change your perspective on your daily challenges? 

2.  Read Colossians 3:1-17.  Your primary identity is now as a child of God.  How does this change how you see yourself? 

     a)  How might understanding this impact your interactions with others? 

3.  Read John 10:28-29 and Romans 8:31-39.  What difference does it make knowing that you can never lose your salvation? 

     a)  How does understanding our eternal security in Christ impact how we live our daily lives? 

     b)  Are there areas where you're striving to earn God's favor instead of resting in His grace?

4.  Read 1 Corinthians 12:1-31.  What spiritual gifts has God given you? 

     a)  How are you using them for ‘the common good’ (v7).  If you’re not sure, sign up for the Network Course today at eastpark.org/events

5.  Read Galatians 5:1-25.  Are there areas in your life where you're still operating under a sense of religious obligation rather than freedom? 

     a)  How might your approach to spiritual growth change if you focused more on walking in step with the Spirit—living with God—rather than following a set of rules?

Practical Applications:

• This week, make a list of at least 10 things you've received in Christ.  Reflect on how these impact your daily life.

• Practice seeing yourself through the lens of your identity in Christ.  When negative thoughts come, counter them with truths about who God says you are.
• If you haven't discovered your spiritual gifts, consider signing up for the Network Course at eastpark.org/events 
• Each day this week, spend time thanking God for specific blessings He's given you in Christ.
• Look for an opportunity to encourage another believer by reminding them of what they've received in Christ.

Closing Prayer:  End the session by thanking God for His lavish gifts and asking for His help to live in light of all we've received in Christ.

2. Who Have I Received?  

10/12/25

Opening Discussion:  What stood out to you most from the sermon?  Why?

Key Takeaways:

• When we receive Jesus, we receive God Himself through the Holy Spirit.
• God is one being in three persons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
• To receive the fullness of Jesus we need to daily receive God’s pledge, power and plan.

Discussion Questions:

1.  Read Colossians 2:6-7 and John 14:15-23.  When we put our faith in Jesus we don't just accept a set of beliefs, we welcome the living God into our lives.  How does understanding that God Himself lives in you through the Holy Spirit impact your daily life? 

     a)  The sermon suggested saying ‘God’ instead of ‘Holy Spirit’ for a week.  How might this change your perspective on God's presence in your life?

2.  Read Matthew 3:16-17 and 2 Corinthians 13:14.  How does understanding God as one being in three persons deepen your appreciation of His nature?

3.  Read Ephesians 1:13-14 and 2 Corinthians 1:21-22.  The language of sealing and guaranteeing speaks to the permanence and certainty of our salvation.  How does knowing that God's Spirit is a permanent presence in your life affect your sense of security in your faith? 

     a)   Are there times you struggle to trust God's guarantee?  Why? 

     b)  What does it mean to you personally that God has 'anointed' and 'set His seal of ownership' on believers?  How might this shape your identity and purpose?

4.  Read Acts 1:8 and Ephesians 1:19-20.  The same power that raised Christ from the dead is living in us.  In what areas of your life do you need to rely more on God's power?  

     a)  How might your life look different if you were aware and confident of the God’s presence and power?

5.  Read 1 Corinthians 12:13, Ephesians 5:17-20 and Galatians 5:22-25.  We’re ‘baptized’ by the Spirit into the body of Jesus (the church), then we’re called to continually ‘be-being filled’ or ‘influenced’ by the Spirit.  How does the idea of being 'filled with the Spirit' (as opposed to a one-time baptism) shape our understanding of spiritual growth? 

     a)   What practices help cultivate this ongoing filling?

6.  Read Romans 8:28-39 and Job 13:15.  How have you seen God work through difficult times in your life? 

     a)  Are there current struggles where you need to trust God's plan more fully?  

     b)  What are some ways we can actively ‘receive the fullness of Jesus’ in our daily lives?

Practical Applications:

• This week, try replacing ‘Holy Spirit’ with ‘God’ in your prayers and conversations. Observe how it impacts your awareness of God's presence.
• Identify one area of your life where you need to trust God's plan, even if it's challenging. Share with the group and pray for each other in these areas.
• Set aside time each day this week to intentionally ‘receive’ God's pledge, power, and plan for your life through prayer and meditation on Scripture.

Closing Prayer: Thank God for His presence in our lives through the Holy Spirit. Ask for His help in living out the truths discussed and for a greater awareness of His constant presence.

3. What do I do about it?

10/12/25

Read Colossians 2:6-7

1. Where are you still fighting battles that Jesus already won?

2. What does it mean to receive Jesus as Lord and not just as Savior?

3. Where are you tempted to treat Jesus as an advisor instead of Lord?What area of your life needs to come under His authority this week?

4. What does it practically mean to live in Him instead of in your own strength?

5. Of these three—talking to Him before you spiral, obeying when it costs, rehearsing truth—what’s hardest for you right now?

6. How have you experienced the difference between striving in your own power and being strengthened by Him?

7. What are practical ways to position yourself to receive strength instead of generating it?

8. Which rhythm—confession, community, or Sabbath—most resists your current lifestyle?

9.  Where do you hear the “noise” of anxiety in your life right now?

9. How does thankfulness change the way you face suffering or uncertainty?