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Grounded in the Gospel

Colossians 1:3–12
Loren Stark – September 21, 2025

Tagline

When we’re grounded in the gospel, we are anchored in hope—no matter our circumstances.

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Sermon Summary

Preaching from Paul’s opening prayer in Colossians, Loren Stark reminded us that true hope doesn’t depend on our surroundings but on being anchored in Jesus and grounded in the gospel. Even though Paul was writing from prison, his words overflowed with gratitude, confidence, and encouragement. This is because Paul’s life was rooted in the unchanging truth of the gospel—a truth that brings joy, wisdom, and strength no matter what we face.

Paul celebrates the Colossian believers for their faith and love, which spring from the hope they have in heaven. That same gospel is bearing fruit around the world and in their lives. Loren traced the effects of the gospel in us: it transforms how we live, strengthens us with divine power, and gives us patient endurance and joyful gratitude. The gospel, he emphasized, is not just subjective encouragement—it is the true message of salvation through Jesus Christ. Being grounded in this truth shapes who we are, how we grow, and how we shine in the world.

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Group Discussion Guide

Icebreaker Question (pick one)

  • What’s something in your life that’s “anchored”—something that holds steady even when things get crazy?
  • Can you think of a time when someone’s joy or gratitude caught you off guard because of their difficult circumstances?
  • Loren mentioned that in the 18th century, Baptists were known as "people of the book." What would you want to be known for today?

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Opening Prayer

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

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Scripture Reading

Read Colossians 1:3–12 aloud as a group.

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Main Discussion Questions

God Revealed
What do these verses reveal about God’s role in our transformation and hope? How is he described as acting on our behalf?

Humanity Mirrored
Paul says the Colossians’ faith and love “spring from the hope stored up” in heaven. Why do you think people today struggle to find this kind of hope? Where do we tend to misplace it?

Gospel-Centered Vision
Paul calls the gospel the “true message” that is bearing fruit all over the world. Why is this same message still so relevant today, even 2000 years later? How does its clarity and consistency steady us in the midst of the confusion and hopelessness we see in our culture?

Transformed Living
Verses 9–12 describe what a life shaped by the gospel looks like. Which of these qualities—wisdom, endurance, joy, fruitfulness—feels most relevant or needed in your life right now?

Sharing and Witness
Who in your life might need to see or hear the effects of a grounded, hope-filled gospel this week? How can you embody that hope?

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For Further Study

  1. Romans 5:1–5 – Justification brings peace and hope that does not put us to shame.
  2. 2 Corinthians 4:16–18 – Our light and momentary troubles prepare us for eternal glory.
  3. Philippians 1:3–6 – Paul expresses joy and confidence in the gospel’s ongoing work.
  4. Ephesians 3:16–19 – Paul prays for believers to be rooted and grounded in love.
  5. 1 Peter 1:3–9 – We’ve been given a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus.
  6. John 15:1–11 – Abiding in Christ leads to bearing fruit and experiencing full joy.
  7. Psalm 1:1–3 – A person rooted in God’s Word is like a tree planted by water.
  8. Romans 8:1–4 – There is no condemnation for those in Christ; the Spirit gives life.
  9. Colossians 2:6–7 – Paul calls believers to be rooted and built up in Christ.
  10. Galatians 5:22–23 – The fruit of the Spirit is the evidence of transformed living.
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