Connect
What do you enjoy most about the Thanksgiving holiday?

Pray
Take time for the group to pray, asking everyone to tell God (either out loud or silently) one thing they appreciate about Him.

Have someone read Colossians 3:14-17.

14Above all, clothe yourselves with love, which binds us all together in perfect harmony.15And let the peace that comes from Christ rule in your hearts. For as members of one body you are called to live in peace. And always be thankful.16Let the message about Christ, in all its richness, fill your lives. Teach and counsel each other with all the wisdom he gives. Sing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs to God with thankful hearts.17And whatever you do or say, do it as a representative of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through him to God the Father.

Reflection and Discussion
Choose from the following questions to help you build relationship with God and each other. The goal is to interact with God through the Bible and shared experiences, not to finish all the questions.

Insight: This passage is directed toward the whole church body, providing guidelines and practices that will benefit each person individually while fostering group unity.

1. What word or phrase is most significant to you in Colossians 3:14-17?

2. What does this passage indicate is the most important action we can take individually to benefit the whole group? Why do you think that’s true?

3. What does it mean to let the peace of Christ rule in your heart? What might help you do that?

4. What can you do to let the message of Christ fill your mind and life? What difference do you think that could make?

5. How would seeking to do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, or as a representative of Jesus, change your perspective? Your behavior?

6. What attitude or action step is promoted in each verse of Colossians 3:15-17?

7. Is thankfulness a result of time with Jesus, or a practice to help us become like Him?

8. How would the practice of gratitude be beneficial to you? To those around you?

The Big Takeaway
Spend a few minutes in silence. Trust that God is near and desires to meet with you. Ask Him what He wants you to know or do from this week’s study and discussion. Write down what you sense God is saying to you. Share this with the group and pray for each other.

Scripture Memory
One way to keep Jesus at the center of your life is to keep the words of Scripture at the center of your heart. Repeat this verse daily to help it become part of your thoughts.

And let the peace that comes from Christ rule in your hearts. For as members of one body you are called to live in peace. And always be thankful. Colossians 3:15 (NLT)

Afterward
Send a note to someone expressing why you’re thankful for them.

App and the Daily Devotional
Spend time with God with the Daily Devotionals available on the App. You can also find Sunday Message resources and videos, leave prayer requests, give and more.

Why Jesus?
If you’ve never experienced God’s forgiveness and grace, we’d love the opportunity to talk with you about a life-changing relationship with Jesus. Email thepastors@brookwoodchurch.org or call 864.688.8200

Additional Study Tools
For additional Bible Study tools, guides and devotionals, check out bible.com, youversion.com, biblegateway.com and blueletterbible.org.