5 God the Son: His Present Activity and Future Role; God the Holy Spirit: Colossians 1:15-20; 1 Corinthians 12:1-11

5

God the Son: His Present Activity and Future Role; God the Holy Spirit

Colossians 1:15-20; 1 Corinthians 12:1-11

He ascended into heaven and is seated at the right hand of the Father. He will come again to judge the ­living and the dead. I believe in the Holy Spirit . . .

Jesus came to earth from heaven in great humility; he returned to heaven in triumph and glory, having accomplished all that was necessary for salvation. Yet in no way does the ascension of Christ mean that he is now absent from his world. Through the resurrection, Christ broke down the barriers of time and space, allowing himself to be available to all. The ascended Christ lives in believers through the Holy Spirit. We must not allow the limitations of our reason and imagination to impose restrictions on what the risen and exalted Christ can do.

GROUP DISCUSSION. Christians think a lot about what Jesus has done (dying and rising for us) and what he will do (return in glory). Why do we spend less time considering what Jesus is doing now in his ascended position at the Father’s right hand?

PERSONAL REFLECTION. Do you feel that Jesus is more involved in some areas of your life than other areas? What are the areas you feel he is less involved in, and why?

The doctrine of the ascension assures us that Christ has been exalted and glorified, and that his power and glory can be revealed and reflected in our lives. The creed states that Jesus now sits at the right hand of God. This suggests special favor and status, and it suggests that Jesus has the Father’s ear. Read Colossians 1:15-20.

1. How many times does the word all occur in this passage?

What do the various uses of all say to you about Christ?

2. Continue to meditate on Christ as portrayed in this Scripture. What are some fitting ways to worship such a person?

3. The creed states that Jesus “will come again to judge the living and the dead.” Based on what you read in Colossians 1:15-20, what qualifies Jesus to judge humanity?

4. What thoughts and feelings come to you when you think about the fact that Christ will return?

5. All things were created in the Son, through him and for him (v. 16). What does the rest of this Scripture have to say about how the Son continues to be involved with his creation?

6. How do you respond to the idea that you personally were created for Christ?

7. What is Christ’s relationship with the church—that is, those who believe in him (v. 18)?

8. We may sometimes feel that the world or even our own lives are falling apart. What difference does it make to know that in Christ “all things hold together” (v. 17)?

Read 1 Corinthians 12:1-11.

9. The creed states “I believe in the Holy Spirit.” How do you see the Holy Spirit active in your church fellowship?

10. How do you see the Holy Spirit active in your own life?

11. How will this study affect you the next time you worship, whether privately or publicly?

Pray for greater sensitivity to the Holy Spirit’s prompting in your life and in the life of your church fellowship.

Now or Later

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