Class Lesson for December 21, 2025

The Whole Story 

1 Peter 2:1-10

In a world obsessed with identity — where people are constantly asking “Who am I?” and “Where do I belong?” — Peter reminds us of something far more enduring than personal achievement, cultural status, or fleeting approval. Writing to believers scattered across the Roman Empire, many of them marginalized and pressured by a hostile society, Peter lifts their eyes to the eternal reality of who they are in Christ. He says you are not defined by your past sins, your present struggles, or your worldly labels. You are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for His own possession.

But before Peter reminds us of this glorious identity, he calls us to lay aside the things that distort and poison the church — malice, deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and slander.

Because to belong to Christ is not only to receive a new identity, but also to walk in a new way of life.

This passage invites us to consider what it means to be built on the cornerstone of Jesus Christ, to be shaped into a spiritual house for God’s glory, and to live as His people in a watching world.

1 Peter 2:1-10

A Living Stone and a Holy People

1 So put away all malice and all deceit and hypocrisy and envy and all slander. 2 Like newborn infants, long for the pure spiritual milk, that by it you may grow up into salvation — 3 if indeed you have tasted that the Lord is good. 4 As you come to Him, a living stone rejected by men but in the sight of God chosen and precious, 5 you yourselves like living stones are being built up as a spiritual house, to be a holy priesthood, to offer spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ. 6 For it stands in Scripture: “Behold, I am laying in Zion a stone, a cornerstone chosen and precious, and whoever believes in Him will not be put to shame.” 7 So the honor is for you who believe, but for those who do not believe, “The stone that the builders rejected has become the cornerstone,” 8 and “A stone of stumbling, and a rock of offense.” They stumble because they disobey the word, as they were destined to do. 

9 But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for His own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light. 10 Once you were not a people, but now you are God's people; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy.

The Holy Bible, English Standard Version. ESV® Text Edition: 2016. Copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. 1 Peter 2:1-10

 

Discussion Questions

1. What does it mean to “crave pure spiritual milk”? 
2. Peter also calls believers “living stones.” What responsibilities or identity does this metaphor give us as the church? 
3. What does it mean that we are “... being built into a spiritual house”? Who is doing the building?  
4. What does it mean for us to offer “spiritual sacrifices” to God?  
5. How does verse 9 change the way we view ourselves, our purpose, and our future?

 

Closing Thoughts

1 Peter calls us to live our life focused on eternity. Knowing that we have been saved from the evil of this world into God’s family demands a life that seeks to honor God in all things. The purpose of the church, then, is to be set apart for God as we make Him known. This means for you as an individual, the very dwelling place of God, the way you live your life should be a continual sacrifice and offering to God. When we understand all that we have in Christ, knowing that we are given a new identity in Him, it changes the way we live.

In what ways are you pursuing holiness in your life? What is keeping you from proclaiming His excellencies to everyone in your life?

Identify one person this week to intentionally love, serve, invite, or share the gospel with. Pray daily for them and look for open doors to live on missions.

 

END

 

Class Lesson for December 14, 2025

 The Whole Story 

Colossians 1:15-23

Every once in a while, Scripture pulls back the veil and gives us a glimpse of glory so staggering, so overwhelming, that it leaves no room for small thoughts about Jesus. Colossians 1:15–20 is one of those passages. In these verses, Paul doesn’t merely describe Christ — he exalts Him. He lifts our eyes to see the cosmic Christ, the One who is “the image of the invisible God,” the firstborn over all creation, the Creator and sustainer of everything that exists. These aren’t throwaway titles — they are thunderous declarations. 

Jesus is not just a good teacher, a moral example, or a religious figure. He is the visible revelation of the invisible God. He existed before time, stands above creation, and holds the galaxies together by the word of His power. But even more than that — He is the head of the church, the firstborn from the dead, and the One in whom all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell. And by His cross, He has made peace. Peace between sinners and a holy God. Peace between heaven and earth. This passage reminds us that the Jesus we worship is not small, local, or tame — He is Lord of all. Every molecule in the universe bows to His authority. Every corner of creation exists for His glory. And the staggering mystery of the gospel is this: the One who made all things also came to reconcile all things. 

Colossians 1:15–20 is not just a hymn of praise — it is a call to reorient everything in our lives around the supremacy of Christ. Because if He truly is before all things and in Him all things hold together, then there is no part of our lives, our churches, or our world that He does not rightfully claim as His own.

Colossians 1:15-23

15 The Son is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. 16 For in Him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things have been created through Him and for Him. 17 He is before all things, and in Him all things hold together. 18 And He is the head of the body, the church; He is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead, so that in everything He might have the supremacy. 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.

21 Once you were alienated from God and were enemies in your minds because of your evil behavior. 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, and do not move 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. 

The Holy Bible, English Standard Version. ESV® Text Edition: 2016. Copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Colossians 1:15-23

  

Discussion Questions

1. What comes to your mind when you hear the word “supreme?”                             
2. What is the difference between something being prominent and something being preeminent?                                                                                              
3. How does Christ as Creator reshape how you view your life?                                                     
4. How does Christ being over your salvation bring your assurance and surrender?                                                                                                                                    
5. Why do people struggle to put Christ first even when they believe He is supreme?

  

Closing Thoughts

Colossians 1:15–23 lifts our eyes to a massive, glorious truth of Jesus. He is Creator over all things, Head of the Church, and Savior of sinners. Nothing in your life exists outside His authority, and nothing in your story exists outside His redemptive power. When Christ is truly first, our lives naturally begin to reflect His rule in visible ways. The supremacy of Christ is not merely something we believe. It is something we live out in everyday faithfulness and gospel witness. When Jesus is first, our homes, workplaces, relationships, and conversations begin to point others to Him.

Living on mission begins with placing Christ at the center of everything. Our obedience, our generosity, our forgiveness, and our courage to speak flow from a life rightly ordered under His rule. As a community of believers, we are called not only to celebrate Christ’s supremacy together but to carry that hope into a broken world together.

Identify one person this week to intentionally love, serve, invite, or share the gospel with. Pray daily for them and look for open doors to live on mission.

 

END

Teacher Notes:

The Creator of the universe goes to meet 

a broken woman at a well.

Click Play to Watch

There are two questions every believer eventually must answer — just like Paul did on the Damascus Road, and just like the woman at the well did.

 

1. When did you realize WHO Jesus really is?
2. When did you realize WHAT Jesus did for you?

Colossians 1:15-20

The Son is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. For in Him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things have been created through Him and for Him. He is before all things, and in Him all things hold together. And He is the head of the body, the church; He is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead, so that in everything He might have the supremacy. For God was pleased to have all His fullness dwell in Him, 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.

The Colossian believers were being tempted to 

diminish who Christ really was.

Colossians 1:21-23

Once you were alienated from God and were enemies in your minds because of your evil behavior. 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 — if you continue in your faith, established and firm, and do not move 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. 

 

What do you think is the number one reason people won’t surrender to Christ? 

• They want control more than they want Christ.

Jesus said:

“Whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for Me will find it.” (Matthew 16:25)

Class Lesson for December 7, 2025

 The Whole Story 

1 Corinthians 2:1-5

In a world obsessed with charisma, credentials, and clever communication, the apostle Paul stands before the church in Corinth and reminds them — and us — of what truly changes lives. In 1 Corinthians 2:1–5, Paul pulls back the curtain on his ministry and reveals a startling truth: he did not come with lofty speech or impressive wisdom. He did not rely on rhetorical flair or persuasive technique. Instead, he came in weakness, fear, and trembling, determined to know nothing among them except Jesus Christ and Him crucified. Why? Because Paul knew that the power of the gospel is not found in the presentation but in the Person. It is not eloquence that saves — it is the cross. It is not intellectual mastery that transforms — it is the Spirit’s power.

In a culture like Corinth — addicted to status, enamored by Greek philosophy, and eager to follow the most polished speaker — Paul’s message was radically countercultural. And in ours, it still is. These verses confront every temptation to trust in style over substance, method over message, man over Messiah. Paul’s preaching was not about showcasing himself but about magnifying Christ. And his goal was simple: that our faith might not rest on the wisdom of men, but on the power of God.

This passage calls every preacher, every witness, every Christian back to the center — to the scandalous, saving, supernatural power of the cross. It reminds us that what people need most is not our polish, but God’s power, not our performance, but His presence.

In a world looking for something impressive, God offers something better: Jesus Christ, crucified and risen, proclaimed in humble dependence on the Spirit — and that is enough.

1 Corinthians 2:1-5

Proclaiming Christ Crucified

And I, when I came to you, brothers, did not come proclaiming to you the testimony of God with lofty speech or wisdom. 2 For I decided to know nothing among you except Jesus Christ and Him crucified. 3 And I was with you in weakness and in fear and much trembling, 4 and my speech and my message were not in plausible words of wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power, 5 so that your faith might not rest in the wisdom of men but in the power of God.

The Holy Bible, English Standard Version. ESV® Text Edition: 2016. Copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. 1 Corinthians 2:1-5 

Discussion Questions 

1. Why do you think the Corinthians were drawn to impressive speakers? How does our culture show similar tendencies today?                                                             
2. Paul says he resolved to know nothing except Christ and Him crucified. What does it look like for a church — or a believer — to make that the center of life and ministry?                                                                                         
3. How does Paul’s confession of weakness, fear, and trembling challenge our assumptions about what effective ministry should look like?                                                                                                                                            
4. What dangers arise when faith is built on a preacher’s personality, style, or skill instead of the message of the gospel?                                                                                
5. Where in your own walk do you tend to rely on personal strength or “presentation” instead of the power of the Holy Spirit?

Closing Thoughts

Paul’s words remind us that everything in the Christian life depends on what God has done, not on what we can perform. We are tempted to judge leaders by charisma, measure spiritual success by outward polish, and pursue a version of Christianity that looks impressive instead of powerful. But God delights to work through ordinary voices, trembling hands, and humble hearts so that the world sees Christ rather than human ability. The call for us is to shift our confidence away from presentation and back toward the power of the crucified and risen Savior, trusting the Spirit to do what only He can do. Where do you need to intentionally move your confidence from human strength to God’s power this week? How is God leading me to respond to His Word this week?

END 

Class Lesson for November 30, 2025

 The Whole Story 

Romans 8:1-4

There are some verses in the Bible that feel like holy ground — where the weight of divine truth meets the wonder of divine mercy. Romans 8:1–4 is one of those places. After seven chapters of building theological tension, Paul opens this chapter not with condemnation, but with a thunderclap of gospel assurance: “There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.” These words are not wishful thinking. They are not polite suggestions. They are a blood-bought reality secured by the finished work of Jesus Christ.

Romans 8 is often called the greatest chapter in the Bible because it begins with “no condemnation” and ends with “no separation.” But the beauty of that opening declaration is best understood in the shadow of what came before. In chapter 7, Paul wrestled with the frustration of sin — the divided heart, the lingering flesh, the inability to do the good he desires. He cried out, “Wretched man that I am! Who will deliver me from this body of death?” And now, in chapter 8, he gives the answer: deliverance has come through Jesus. Not by trying harder, but by trusting deeper. Not by the law, but by the Spirit.

In verses 1–4, Paul reveals the heart of the gospel: Jesus did what the law could never do. He condemned sin in the flesh so that we could be set free from its power. The cross doesn’t just forgive us — it liberates us. And for all who are in Christ, the verdict is already in. The gavel has fallen. The sentence has been served. And the condemnation we deserve has been swallowed up by the righteousness He gives. This is not just doctrine to be understood — it is truth to be lived. Because when you know you’re no longer condemned, you begin to live like you’re truly free.

Romans 8:1-4

Life in the Spirit

8 There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. 2 For the law of the Spirit of life has set you free in Christ Jesus from the law of sin and death. 3 For God has done what the law, weakened by the flesh, could not do. By sending His own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh and for sin, He condemned sin in the flesh, 4 in order that the righteous requirement of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not according to the flesh but according to the Spirit.

The Holy Bible, English Standard Version. ESV® Text Edition: 2016. Copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Romans 8:1-4

 

 

Discussion Questions

What part of “no condemnation” is hardest for you to truly believe — and why?

In what ways do you still feel the pull of the “law of sin and death” in daily life?

How does knowing the law cannot save us deepen your gratitude for what God accomplished in Christ?

What does walking according to the Spirit look like for you right now? What habits help or hinder that walk?

How does this passage reshape the way you think about holiness, obedience, and spiritual growth?

 

Closing Thoughts

Romans 8:1–4 invites us to live each day resting in Christ’s finished work and relying on the Spirit’s ongoing power. You are no longer condemned, so you don’t have to live like someone carrying guilt, shame, or fear. You are no longer enslaved, so you don’t have to submit to the patterns and pressures of your old life. The Spirit now empowers you to pursue holiness not for approval but from assurance, not in fear but in freedom. The real question is this: What would your week look like if you truly lived as someone who is fully forgiven, deeply loved, and powerfully filled by the Spirit?

 

END

Teacher Notes:

Last week Paul made a declaration to the world of what happens when we forget God and go our own way. This week, he speaks to a struggle we all face and how thankful we should all be that Jesus has given us a way out and forward with our struggle.

In Les Misérables, Jean Valjean, a hardened ex-convict, is taken in for the night by a kind bishop. Valjean repays this kindness by stealing the bishop’s silver. This is a powerful scene of human grace that speaks to our lesson today.

Click Play to Watch

In the movie, Valjean walked out of that house a different man because he received grace instead of judgment. If the bishop had condemned Valjean, he would have stayed the same man.

How does condemnation keep people stuck today, and how does God’s grace set people free?

Condemnation chains people to who they were; grace frees people to become who God created them to be.

To be in Christ means Jesus is your identity, your righteousness, your power, your life, and your future.

If you ask many Christians today if they are going to heaven, do you know what the most common reply is? answer: I hope so.

The Sled Dog Story

There was an old man in a village who owned two sled dogs — one was white, the other black. Every weekend he would bring them into town and let them fight. The villagers would gather around and place their bets. Sometimes the white dog would win. Sometimes the black dog would win.

But one thing was always the same: the old man always knew which dog would win that week. He never lost a bet.

Finally, someone asked him, “How do you always know which dog will win?”

The old man smiled and said: “That’s easy. The one that wins is the one I’ve been feeding all week.”

This is exactly how the ‘law of sin’ and the ‘law of the Spirit’ work in us.

Both are present. Both are pulling. But the one that dominates in our lives is the one we keep feeding.

If we feed the flesh — old habits, old patterns, old lies — it grows stronger.

If we feed the Spirit — God’s Word, prayer, obedience, worship, community — the Spirit’s desires grow stronger in us.

The question isn’t just - Which dog is in you?

The question is, Which one are you feeding?

What did He do?

May we walk now as someone who knows that there is no condemnation in Christ Jesus and that our eternity with Him is secure.