Renewed / Clothed in Compassion

September 17, 2023

Colossians 3:5-12

Study Questions

1. Read Colossians 3:5-12. What needs to happen first in order for a Christ-follower to reflect the characteristics of the life-changing power of the gospel?

2. How is the Church described in Colossians 3:12? What makes her unique?

3. Give an example of when someone showed compassion to you.

4. When is it hard to be compassionate to others? (See also: Jonah 3:10-4:11.)

5. What does compassion in action look like a) in your church? b) in your community? c) as Christ-followers in the world?

6. Discuss the following statements Pastor Doug made in Sunday’s message. Do you agree with them? Why/Why not?

- God is the source of compassion, not man. (It is an Image-bearing expression when we display compassion.)

- Compassion is born of awareness to the needs of others. (Not an obligation.)

- Compassion is measured by action not words. (I John 3:17-18).

7. Look up the following passages and identify who the Lord Jesus felt compassion for and what He did in response: Matthew 9:36; 14:14; 15:32; 20:29-34; 25:31-46; Mark 1:40-45.

8. Read Luke 10:25-37. What is the main point Jesus was making in this parable? Give an example of a modern day ‘Good Samaritan’ situation. Where is the Holy Spirit calling you to be compassionate and what does that look like? (See also Hebrews 5:2; 1 Peter 3:8.)