The study launched the new “Built Different” series by opening Paul’s first letter to the troubled church in Corinth, where he begins not with rebuke but with a sweeping reminder of who the believers already are in Christ.
Every struggle in Corinth–then and now–traces back to a foggy sense of identity: until we remember we are called, forgiven, enriched, secure, and kept by God, efforts to “do better” stay shallow.
We normally lead with jobs, family, or hobbies, but Paul starts with “called, sanctified, enriched.” Identity, not shame, is the engine of transformation.
Week 2 focus: Col 1:15-20 – “Jesus Is Enough to Sustain Us.”
Purpose of Paul’s letter: counter “Jesus + something” teaching creeping into the Colossian church (matter is evil, Jesus can’t be fully human, legalism vs. license).
Big idea: If Jesus is not pre-eminent in your life, something else is pretending to sustain you.
Ice-breaker: “If you were important enough to have a posse/entourage, who would be in it?”–led to discussion about bodyguards, counselors, hype-men, moral friends, etc.
Transitional point: Our choice of “posse” reveals who we are; likewise, Israel’s leaders revealed their hearts. Jesus contrasts Himself with every false leader by declaring, “I am the Gate” and “I am the Good Shepherd.”
Leader opens with a personal update: son (22, Marine Corps, Camp Pendleton) placed on higher-alert status; unit itself non-deployable but he could be re-assigned. Group thanks members for earlier texts and prayers.
Ice-breaker: “When you’re driving, would you rather be lost and moving or know where you’re going but be stuck in traffic?” – designed to explore control, patience, and adventure before linking to the Bible text.
