Sermon Discussion Guide (June 7th, 2026 Sermon)

June 8th, 2026
by Hoffmeyer Road

June 7th, 2026 Sermon Discussion Guide

In this sermon from Colossians 1:1-8, Pastor Trey explores what it means to be a healthy church by examining three key signs found in Paul's letter to the Colossians. Paul's gratitude for the church at Colossae reveals that a healthy church is not defined by its size, programs, or popularity, but by the evidence of God's work producing fruit among its people. Spiritual maturity, gospel engagement, and active service are the marks Paul celebrates in this congregation, and they remain the standard for churches today.

Intro Prayer

Heavenly Father, we come before You today grateful for the opportunity to gather and study Your Word together. As we open our hearts and minds to what You have for us in this discussion, we ask that You would quiet our own agendas and preferences. Holy Spirit, lead this conversation. Help each of us to be honest, humble, and open to what You want us to take away today. May this time draw us closer to You and to one another. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Ice Breaker

What is one hobby or activity that you have stuck with even when it was difficult or took a long time to see results?

Key Verses

Colossians 1:3-6
John 15:8
Galatians 5:22-25
Romans 10:14
1 Peter 4:10

Questions

The pastor described a healthy church as one that is maturing rather than simply growing in numbers. How would you personally define a healthy church, and what does that look like in everyday life?
Paul thanks God rather than the people of Colossae for the spiritual growth He observes. Why is it important to recognize that spiritual maturity is a work of God and not simply the result of human effort or church programs?
The sermon stated that it is impossible for the gospel to take root in a person's life without producing fruit. Looking at Galatians 5:22-25 (ESV), which fruit of the Spirit do you feel God is currently growing in your life, and which area feels most challenging?
The pastor challenged the group by asking, 'Have you truly been transformed by the gospel?' What is the difference between attending church and being genuinely transformed by the gospel of Jesus Christ?
Paul broadens the focus in Colossians 1:6 from the local church to a worldwide gospel impact. In what practical ways can an individual believer participate in that worldwide mission from their everyday life?
The pastor shared that he has personally missed opportunities to share the gospel because of fear or discomfort. Can you relate to that experience? What tends to hold you back from sharing the gospel with others?
Epaphras is described as beloved, a fellow servant, and faithful. Which of those three qualities do you feel is most needed in the church today, and why?
The pastor warned against a 'what can I get' mentality in church and encouraged a 'what can I give' mindset. How can a small group like this one help each other move from passive attendance to active service?

Life Application

This week, identify one person in your life who does not know Jesus as Lord and Savior. Commit to praying for them daily and look for a natural opportunity to share the gospel with them before your group meets again. Also, if you are not currently serving in a ministry role at your church, take one concrete step this week to find out where your gifts might be used, whether that means talking to a pastor, signing up for a serving opportunity, or simply showing up early on Sunday to help.

Key Takeaways

A healthy church is not measured by attendance or programs but by the spiritual maturity of its members as the gospel takes root and produces fruit in their lives.
Spiritual fruit, including growing faith, love for fellow believers, and a steadfast hope in Christ, is the evidence that the gospel has genuinely transformed a person.
Every believer is commissioned to share the gospel. The church does not exist to store up the good news but to spread it, and obedience to that calling is not optional.
A healthy church is filled with people who move from passive attendance to active service, using the gifts God has given them to build up the body and advance the kingdom.
The church is not a building or a set of programs. It is made up of individual believers, and each person plays a daily role in the health of the whole body.

Ending Prayer

Lord, thank You for the time we have shared together today around Your Word. We confess that it is easy to sit comfortably in our faith without growing, sharing, or serving as You have called us to do. Forgive us for the times we have chosen comfort over obedience. We ask that You would plant the truths from this discussion deep in our hearts. Give us the courage to share the gospel with the people You have already placed on our hearts. Stir in us a genuine desire to serve one another and to grow in spiritual maturity. May our lives bear fruit that points others to You and brings glory to Your name. We trust You to do what only You can do in us and through us. In the name of Jesus, Amen.

Posted in Discussion Guides