This message calls us to re-center our community groups on the Word of God and prayer as the true means of spiritual growth in Christlikeness. Drawing from Colossians 3:1–17 and Acts 2:42–47, it challenges us to move beyond social connection or surface-level accountability toward gatherings anchored in Scripture and prayer. Like the tree in Psalm 1, authentic growth comes not through striving but through allowing the word of Christ dwell richly within us. The sermon warns against building community on shared interests rather than the gospel, reminding us that Christ alone unites His people. Practically, this means bringing our Bibles, reading and praying together, and allowing God’s Word to shape our hearts so our groups become spaces of transformation, not just conversation.

Main Points:

- Community groups should maintain a balance of three ingredients: Scripture and prayer, fellowship, and accountability

- Scripture and prayer function like protein in nutrition—they provide the growth and strength needed for spiritual maturity

- The gospel is what truly unites believers in community; “gospel plus something else” communities tend to drift from their foundation

- Colossians 3 teaches that letting the word of Christ “dwell richly” in us is essential for putting off the old self and putting on the new

- Prayer was central to Jesus’ life and should be equally central to ours: for fellowship with God, making decisions, times of distress, and interceding for others

- The early church in Acts devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching, fellowship, breaking bread, and prayer both in temple courts and in homes

- Scripture acts as a mirror that reveals areas needing adjustment in our lives

- When someone is struggling, prayer and encouragement from God’s Word should be our first response before we try to fix the problem or offer advice

- If God’s truth and prayer are not a consistent part of our community groups, we will begin to see our differences or annoyances with each other more easily and forget about what unites us. Community will not be life-giving, and we may even lose a desire to even attend

Scripture Referenced:

Colossians 3:1-17 – Main passage

Psalm 1 – Referenced regarding the tree planted by streams of water

Luke 6:12-16 – Jesus praying before choosing the 12 disciples

John 17 – Jesus praying on behalf of others

Ephesians 6:10-20 – The sword of the Spirit and praying in the Spirit

Acts 2:42-47 – Early church devotion to apostles’ teaching, fellowship, breaking bread, and prayer

James 5:16 – Confess sins to each other and pray for one another

James 1:23-25 – God’s word as a mirror

Community Group Guide:

Begin with Prayer

Begin by asking God to open hearts and minds to His Word and to help your group grow in authenticity and dependence on Him through this time together.

Scripture Reading

Have someone read Colossians 3:1-17 aloud. Then read it again from a different translation if possible.

Observation Questions:

1) What words or phrases stand out to you?

2) What does this passage tell us about who we are in Christ?

3) What specific behaviors does Paul tell us to “put off” and “put on”?

Sermon Discussion Questions

1) Colossians 3:16 says to “let the word of Christ dwell in you richly.” What does it mean for God’s Word to “dwell” in us versus just “visit” us? What practices help God’s Word take up permanent residence in your life?

2)Jason Bradshaw mentioned that “the word isn’t just for our information, it’s for our transformation.” What’s the difference between these two approaches to Scripture? Which approach do you tend to default to?

3) In what ways have you seen the Holy Spirit work through Scripture and prayer to transform someone in your community group over time?

4) Why do you think prayer was such a massive part of Jesus’ life, and what does that reveal about our own need for consistent prayer?

Practical Application:

1) Looking at the “community balance chart” from the sermon. How would you honestly assess the balance in our group (Scripture/Prayer, Accountability, Fellowship)? Are we spending enough time in Scripture and prayer together? What might need to shift?

2) Read James 1:23-25. When you read Colossians 3 today, what did the “mirror” reveal to you? What needs adjusting in your life based on this passage in Colossians? Spend some time in prayer confessing areas you need to “put to death” and ask the Spirit to empower you through the love of God, as His chosen one, to “put on” what is of Him.

Worship Setlist:

Ancient Gates; There is a Savior; Who Else; Christ our Hope in Life and Death; Abide