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Gospel at Home

Text: Colossians 3:12–21

Preacher: [Alex Hogendoorn] – November 9 2025

Tagline

The gospel turns our homes into places where Christ’s peace, humility, and forgiveness rewrite the power games of the world.

Sermon Summary

Paul’s vision of the Christian home flows out of the same melody that fills the church—psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs of thanksgiving. In Colossians 3, he calls believers to wear compassion, kindness, humility, and patience not only at church but also in the most difficult place to live them out—our homes. Drawing from the four “orders” of creation, fall, redemption, and the world to come, the message shows how Jesus subverts the power structures of this world. His weakness on the cross disarmed the rulers and authorities, exposing that true strength is found in sacrificial love.

In that light, the Christian home becomes a stage for the redeemed order. Husbands and wives reflect Christ’s love and trust, not as competitors for control but as partners in grace. Parents build up their children’s hearts rather than breaking their spirits. When sin or resentment have taken root, the gospel begins its healing work through repentance—starting not with the other person but with ourselves. Wherever repentance and grace appear, Christ restores beauty and harmony. Through him, our homes can once again sing the music of thanksgiving.

Group Discussion Guide

Icebreaker Question (pick one)

  1. Playful: If you could learn to dance one style of couples dance, which style would you most like to learn?

  2. Meaningful: Where do you find it hardest to live out your faith—at work, in public, or at home? Why might home be the most revealing?

Opening Prayer

Ask the Spirit to speak through the word and to lead your time together.

Scripture Reading

Read Colossians 3:12–21 aloud as a group.

Main Discussion Questions

1. God Revealed

Reflect on the commands in verses 18-21. Before we consider how they apply to us, how did Jesus fulfill those commands himself?

2. Humanity Mirrored

Why do you think it’s hardest to show patience, forgiveness, or gentleness at home? What does that reveal about our human nature and our need for grace?

3. Gospel-Centered Vision

The sermon described four “orders”: created, natural (fallen), redeemed, and eschatological. How does the gospel invite us to live by the redeemed order rather than the world’s order of power and control?

4. Transformed Living

What does it look like in real life to “put on Christ” in your home—whether as a spouse, parent, child, or roommate? How can repentance change the atmosphere of a home more powerfully than trying to win arguments? (vss 12-17)

5. Sharing and Witness

Who have you had a chance to serve or to share Jesus with in the past week? Where has God been using you in the lives of others?

For Further Study

  1. Ephesians 5:21–6:4 – Paul’s parallel teaching on mutual submission and love within the household.
  2. Philippians 2:5-11 – Christ’s humility and self-emptying as the model for Christian relationships.
  3. Genesis 2:18-24 – God’s design of man and woman as equal partners and helpers.
  4. 1 Peter 3:1-9 – Living honorably and gently in marriage so that Christ is seen.
  5. Deuteronomy 6:4-9 – Parents nurturing faith by modeling love for God in daily life.
  6. Luke 15:11-24 – The Father’s compassionate heart toward a wayward child.
  7. Matthew 5:9-16 – Peacemakers shining Christ’s light within their communities and homes.
  8. Colossians 1:13-14 – Our rescue from darkness into the kingdom of the beloved Son.
  9. Romans 12:9-18 – Genuine love overcoming evil with good in every relationship.
  10. Psalm 127:1-5 – A household built on the Lord becomes fruitful and strong.

 

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