This week will cover the last chapter of Colossians, the letter to Philemon, and the first three chapters of Luke. This week marks the beginning of the second quarter of Rooted. We hope and pray that you are still reading. If you have fallen behind, this would be a good opportunity to start over again as we begin reading through Luke.

Don’t forget to check out the Rooted Facebook page for a bit more discussion on each chapter.


Discussion Questions:

• What is the significance of Paul’s mention of Mark? (Col. 4:10)

• What made Paul’s letter to Philemon so radical?

• Gabriel announced the birth of John the Baptist and Jesus to Zechariah (Lk:1:13) and Mary (Lk. 1:31-33). They both asked questions about it (Lk. 1:18, 1:34). But Gabriel’s response was quite different (Lk. 1:18-19, 1:35). Why?

• The birth narratives of Jesus in Matthew and Luke are very different. Why do you suppose that is?

• If you had been a part of the crowd listening to John the Baptist, how do you think you would have responded to being called a brood of vipers? (Lk. 3:7-9) How did the crowd respond? (Lk. 3:10) Why do you suppose they responded that way?



Some Answers from Last Week's Questions:

• How does a person “press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus?” (Phil. 3:14) – It is keeping our eyes fixed on the goal, letting nothing distract us from serving our Lord. To look forward to what awaits us with eager anticipation.

• What kinds of things should we be thinking about? (Phil. 4:8) – Things that are true, honorable, just, pure, lovely, commendable, and excellent. Let your mind be filled with thoughts that build up rather than tear down.

• What can you learn from Paul’s prayer for the Colossian believers that you can adopt in your own prayer life? (Col. 1:9-14): To be filled with the knowledge of God’s so I can live a life worthy of the Lord and please him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work.

• Who are the rulers and authorities that Jesus disarmed? And how did he do it? (Col. 2:13-15) - They are the evil spiritual powers also mentioned in Ephesians 6:12. Jesus defeated them by going to the cross and defeating death.

• What does it mean that your life is hidden with Christ, who is at the right hand of God? (Col. 3:1-3) - It is a place of security. Who can snatch me away when I am there? (Rom. 8:38-39)




Prayer: God, thank You for speaking to me through Your Word today. Help me respond to You with faith like Mary, someone who is ready to follow, forgive, and live differently. Keep my heart focused on You, growing and starting fresh wherever I need to. Amen


Helpful Resources:


• Rooted Facebook Group for online sharing and further exploration 

• Bible Project New Testament overview videos
• Bible Gateway, a Bible app with many translations and some other free helps
• A Clay Jar Devotionals