Session 9 of 9

Foundations

Following Jesus every day

Read

¹²Put on therefore, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, a heart of compassion, kindness, lowliness, humility, and perseverance; ¹³bearing with one another, and forgiving each other, if any man has a complaint against any; even as Christ forgave you, so you also do. ¹⁴Above all these things, walk in love, which is the bond of perfection. ¹⁵And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to which also you were called in one body; and be thankful. ¹⁶Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly; in all wisdom teaching and admonishing one another with psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your heart to the Lord. ¹⁷Whatever you do, in word or in deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father, through him.

Colossians 3:12–17

Think

Following Jesus isn’t a Sunday hobby. It’s for Monday morning too: work, school, home, friendships, money, phones, how we speak and how we rest.

Paul pictures it as getting dressed: putting on compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience, and over all of them, love. “Whatever you do, in word or in deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus.”

Jesus also sends us. Before he returned to the Father he said, “Go and make disciples of all nations.” For most of us, that starts with the people we already know.

You won’t do this perfectly. But day by day, with the Spirit’s help and the church around you, you’ll grow. Keep going, and keep looking to Jesus.

Talk it over

1. Which of the qualities in Colossians 3:12 would make the biggest difference this week?
2. Where in your ordinary week is it hardest to follow Jesus?
3. Who are three people you could pray for and share your faith with?

Learn by heart

Whatever you do, in word or in deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father, through him.

Colossians 3:17

Pray

Lord Jesus, I give you my ordinary life. Help me to follow you in all of it.