Big Idea: The gospel is not just forgiveness—it’s restoration into a relationship with God. Because Jesus Is Supreme Over Salvation: 1. Receive The Peace Jesus Purchased 19 For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him, 20 and through Him to reconcile to himself all things, whether things on earth or things in heaven, by making peace through His blood, shed on the cross. Colossians 1:19-20 (NIV) Philip said, “Lord, show us the Father, and we will be satisfied.” Jesus replied, “Have I been with you all this time, Philip, and yet you still don’t know who I am? Anyone who has seen me has seen the Father! So why are you asking me to show him to you? 10 Don’t you believe that I am in the Father and the Father is in me? The words I speak are not my own, but my Father who lives in me does his work through me. 11 Just believe that I am in the Father and the Father is in me. Or at least believe because of the work you have seen me do. John 14:8-11 (NLT2) But He was pierced for our transgressions, He was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was upon Him, and by his wounds we are healed. Isaiah 53:5 (NIV) → Stop striving and start trusting in Jesus for your salvation 2. Be Honest About What Separated You From God 21 Once you were alienated from God and were enemies in your minds because of your evil behavior. Colossians 1:21 (NIV) But your iniquities have separated you from your God; your sins have hidden his face from you, so that He will not hear. Isaiah 59:2 (NIV) Now repent of your sins and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped away. 20 Then times of refreshment will come from the presence of the Lord, and He will again send you Jesus, your appointed Messiah. Acts 3:19-20 (NLT2) → You can’t experience reconciliation until you’re honest about separation. 3. Live Daily From Your Reconciled Identity 22 But now He has reconciled you by Christ's physical body through death to present you holy in His sight, without blemish and free from accusation– 23 if you continue in your faith, established and firm, not moved from the hope held out in the gospel. This is the gospel that you heard and that has been proclaimed to every creature under heaven, and of which I, Paul, have become a servant. Colossians 1:22-23 (NIV) Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come! 18 All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation: 19 that God was reconciling the world to Himself in Christ, not counting men's sins against them. And he has committed to us the message of reconciliation. 20 We are therefore Christ's ambassadors, as though God were making His appeal through us. We implore you on Christ's behalf: Be reconciled to God. 21 God made Him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in Him we might become the righteousness of God. 2 Corinthians 5:17-21 (NIV) → “I don’t live to earn acceptance—I live from acceptance.” • Have you received the peace Jesus purchased or are you still trying to earn it? • Are you being honest about your sin – or hiding behind religion? • Are you living from your identity in Christ – or still striving for approval? This week, I will: Receive the peace Jesus purchased → Move from religious to a relationship Confess one specific area of sin honestly → Stop managing it – start surrendering it Take my next step of obedience → Follow Jesus in Believer’s Baptism Leader Focus: ✔ Review questions beforehand so you are prepared ✔ Honor your time commitment as a group ✔ Keep discussion relational, not reactive ✔ Reinforce grace, humility, and unity Opening Prayer: Ask God to help you understand the depth of His grace and to live out your identity in Christ this week. Icebreaker (5 minutes) Have you ever experienced a broken relationship that was restored? What made that reconciliation meaningful? Big Idea: The gospel is not just forgiveness—it’s restoration into a relationship with God. Read Colossians [ 5 min] 1:19–23 together. Key Truth: Through Jesus, we are not just forgiven—we are fully reconciled to God and called to live from that new identity. Discussion Questions [30-40 min]: Family / Youth Friendly Questions What stood out to you most from the message or passage this week? In your own words, what does it mean that Jesus “made peace through His blood”? Digging Deeper → Receive the Peace Jesus Purchased (Colossians 1:19–20) Why do you think people still try to “earn” God’s approval even after hearing the gospel? What does it practically look like to live from peace with God instead of striving for it? Cross references: Isaiah 53:5, 2 Corinthians 5:21 → Be Honest About What Separated You Colossians 1:21 Paul says we were once “alienated” and “enemies.” Why is it important to understand our condition before Christ? Which of these do you relate to more right now—and why? o Active rebellion (doing what you know is wrong) o Passive indifference (ignoring God) Cross references: Isaiah 59:2, → Live Daily From Your Reconciled Identity Colossians 1:22–23 What stands out to you about how God now sees you: holy, blameless, and free from accusation? Why do we sometimes continue to live in guilt or shame even after being forgiven? What does it look like to “continue in the faith” and stay anchored in the gospel daily? Cross references: Romans 5:10, 2 Corinthians 5:18–19 Life Application [10 min]: This week, take one intentional step: ☐ Receive - Start your prayers by thanking God for the peace you already have through Jesus. ☐ Be Honest - Confess a specific area where you’ve been resisting or ignoring God. ☐ Live It Out - Replace one negative or shame-filled thought with a truth about your identity in Christ. Optional Group Exercise (Very Effective) Go around the group and have each person complete: “Because Jesus has reconciled me, this week I will…” Prayer [10-15 min]: Spend time thanking Jesus for: o making peace through His blood o reconciling you to God o giving you a new identity