Colossians 1:25b-26

Home group questions,1) Why do you think some people search for hidden codes and mysteries within the Bible?  Even if there were “hidden codes” in the Bible do you think they are important or useful for the mission of the church? (Consider Romans 1:16, 10:17; 1 Cor 2:1-5).  If someone happens to claim to have been given special revelation or has been shown hidden mysteries from or about God, how would you respond? (Acts 17:11; 1 John 4:1)2) Why do you think Paul called it a “mystery” (v26, 27) that the Gentiles would be included in God’s plan of salvation even though it was mentioned in the Old Testament? (Luke 10:21-24; Acts 13:44-48, 28:23-28; Romans 11:11-14 & 25). How does the fact that God chose to include us Gentiles in His plan of salvation bring humility, adoration and a desire to be obedient to God? (Consider Titus 3:3-7, Ephesians 2:1-9)  3) For God to dwell in the tabernacle and the temple within the Israelite nation, the dwelling place and all the parts (alter, mercy seat, utensils, etc) needed to be made holy by the blood of a sacrifice. How does this point to what God has done in order for Jesus to dwell in us? 4) The expression “Christ in you” (v27) could mean:  a) Christ in each individual believer (Gal 2:20), b) Christ among you (Matthew 18:20) or c) Christ represented in you (1 Cor 11:1).  How is b) and c) dependent on a)? How are b) and c) an expected and hopefully a desired outcome of a)?5) How does the indwelling Christ give “hope of glory” (v27)? (Ephesians 1:11-14, Romans 8:18-25; To quote Spurgeon, “Comfort yourselves with this word, Christ in you means you in glory, as sure as God lives.”)