Rooted: Rooted in Christ - Your Firm Foundation
Group Leader Guide
Sermon Recap 🎬
Have you ever wondered what it truly means to stand firm when everything around you feels shaky? Pastor John Mark launches an eight-week journey exploring how to build an unshakeable spiritual foundation in turbulent times. Drawing from Colossians 2, he reveals that true stability starts with knowing your identity in Christ—not as someone defined by likes, job titles, or past struggles, but as God's chosen child. Through practical steps such as daily devotions, group connection, and cultivating gratitude, Pastor John Mark demonstrates how staying rooted in Jesus transforms anxiety into peace and uncertainty into purpose. Don't miss this timely message that will equip you to face life's challenges with unwavering faith. Watch or listen now to discover your firm foundation!
Ice Breaker 🧊
If you were an ice cream flavor, which one would you be and why?
Discussion Questions 💬
In Colossians 2:6-7, Paul emphasizes being 'rooted and built up in Christ.' What are some practical ways we can develop deeper spiritual roots in our daily lives?
Pastor Caton explained that trees don't survive storms because they have a roof over their head, but because they have deep roots. He emphasized daily devotions, prayer, and consistent worship as ways to deepen one's spiritual growth.
What specific spiritual practices could you commit to for the next 8 weeks to help develop deeper roots in your faith?
How does understanding our true identity in Christ (as described in 1 Peter 2:9) change how we view ourselves and live our daily lives?
The sermon highlighted that believers are a chosen people, royal priesthood, holy nation, and God's special possession - not defined by job titles, past sins, or current struggles.
Which aspects of your identity do you tend to focus on more - your earthly roles and achievements or your identity in Christ?
Pastor Caton discussed spiritual inertia, which can occur when one is at rest, in motion, or heading in the wrong direction. How can we recognize which state we're in and what steps can we take to move in the right direction?
The sermon described how things in motion tend to stay in motion, and things at rest tend to remain at rest, unless acted upon by a stronger force.
Looking at your spiritual life over the past few months, what kind of spiritual inertia would you say you've experienced?
The sermon emphasized the importance of gratitude and thankfulness. Why does Paul repeatedly mention thankfulness in Colossians 3:15-17, and how does gratitude impact our spiritual growth?
Pastor Caton explained that gratitude reorients our mind away from what we lack and towards what we have.
What are some specific things in your life that you need to be more intentionally thankful for?
How does the concept of 'remaining in Christ' (from John 15) relate to bearing spiritual fruit in our lives?
The sermon emphasized that branches cannot bear fruit by themselves - they must remain connected to the vine, just as we must stay connected to Christ.
What are some signs in your life that indicate whether you're staying connected to Christ or becoming disconnected?
Prayer 🙏
Let's start by sharing any prayer requests we have.
Thank God for His faithfulness and the blessings He has provided.
Ask God for the strength to stay committed to spiritual growth and to apply what we've learned in the sermon.
Pray for guidance in building a deeper relationship with God and others in the group.
Seek God's help in remaining thankful and rooted in His Word throughout the week.
