Colossians 3:1-4 | Beliefs + Behaviors

What is the loudest sound you’ve ever heard? For me, it was the thunderous flyover at an Alabama football game—an earthshaking moment that left everyone in awe. In the same way, there are two “booming” realities for every believer in Christ that should shake us to our core and fill us with wonder: we have been raised with Christ, and our lives are now hidden in Him. These truths are not just theological concepts; they are the foundation of our identity and the source of all true Christian virtue and behavior.

Building on our recent focus on courage and virtue, we turn to Colossians 3, where Paul roots Christian ethics not in a list of dos and don’ts, but in the deep reality of who we are in Christ. Before we can live out godly behaviors, we must first be grounded in godly beliefs. Our actions will only endure if they flow from a secure identity in Jesus. Just as my wife reminds me that our children need to know why they should act rightly—not just what to do—so too must we understand the “why” behind our calling to holiness. The resurrection of Christ and the miracle of salvation are not common, everyday realities; they are extraordinary, and they should continually fill us with gratitude and awe.

Paul’s words in Colossians 3:1-4 declare that we have been raised with Christ. This is not a hypothetical or a distant hope—it is a present, immovable fact. The world is constantly searching for a fresh start or an authentic self, but in Christ, we have already been made new. Our new identity is the lens through which we see everything, and it is the foundation for all our actions. We are called to set our hearts and minds on things above, to orient our affections and our thoughts toward Christ and His kingdom. This is both a personal and practical call: intimacy with Jesus and a life that reflects His values.

The second “boom” is that our lives are hidden with Christ in God. This means our security, worth, and future are locked away with Him—safe, protected, and vibrant. Dying to self is not a loss, but a gain; we are not left vulnerable, but are instead held in the unbreakable love of the Father. When we know we are loved and secure, we are free to live with humility, generosity, and purpose. Without this assurance, our efforts at virtue will falter, but with it, we can love others as we have been loved.

Finally, we look forward to the ultimate “boom”—the return of Christ, when our hidden life will be revealed in glory. Until then, we live in the tension of the already and not yet, fueled by the hope of His coming and the reality of His love.

Key Takeaways

• 1. True and lasting Christian behavior flows from a deep-rooted identity in Christ, not from mere external rules or self-effort. When we know who we are and whose we are, our actions become a natural outflow of our relationship with Jesus, rather than a burdensome obligation. This is the only way virtue can endure and flourish in our lives. [04:25]
• 2. Being “raised with Christ” is a present and unshakeable reality for every believer. The world’s search for authenticity and reinvention is answered in the newness we receive through faith in Jesus. Our conversion is not a temporary fix, but a permanent transformation that redefines our desires, mindset, and purpose. [14:26]
• 3. Setting our hearts and minds on things above is both an intimate and practical discipline. The call is to orient our affections toward Christ (vertical) and to let that shape our daily actions (horizontal). This dual focus keeps us grounded in God’s love while empowering us to live out His values in the world. [17:38]
• 4. Our lives are hidden with Christ in God, providing us with profound security and freedom. Dying to self is not a loss, but the gateway to true life, protected and sustained by the faithfulness of God. When we rest in this security, we are liberated from fear and empowered to love, serve, and live with boldness and humility. [24:42]
• 5. The love of the Father is the foundation of our identity and the fuel for our transformation. God’s love is not passive or conditional, but active, perfect, and unwavering. When we truly believe and receive this love, it changes how we see ourselves and how we live, enabling us to reflect Christ’s love to others and to look forward with hope to His return. [29:44]

Youtube Chapters

• [00:00] - Welcome
• [00:29] - The Loudest Sound: Alabama Flyover Story
• [03:09] - Introducing the “Beliefs and Behaviors” Series
• [04:25] - Identity Before Behavior: The Root of Virtue
• [06:55] - The Four Chambers of Discipleship
• [08:12] - Colossians Context: Heresy and Christ’s Supremacy
• [10:03] - The Booming Realities of Salvation
• [12:34] - Reading Colossians 3:1-4
• [13:48] - First Boom: Raised with Christ
• [15:44] - The Beautiful Exchange: Newness in Christ
• [17:38] - Heart and Mind: Vertical and Horizontal Focus
• [20:15] - Remembering Who You Are: The Lion King Analogy
• [22:52] - Second Boom: Life Hidden in Christ
• [24:42] - Security and Freedom in Christ
• [29:44] - The Father’s Love: Our True Identity
• [32:20] - Scripture’s Testimony of God’s Love
• [34:18] - The Final Boom: Christ’s Return and Our Hope

1. According to Colossians 3:1-2, what two things does Paul tell believers to do in light of being raised with Christ?
2. In verse 3, what does Paul say has happened to the believer’s old life, and where is their new life now found?
3. What future event does Paul point to in verse 4, and what promise is attached to it?
4. The sermon described two “booming” realities for believers. What are they, and how does the passage support these truths? [[13:48]]

1. Why does Paul root Christian behavior in identity (“who you are and whose you are”) rather than just giving a list of rules? How does this approach affect lasting change? [[04:25]]
2. The sermon compared being “raised with Christ” to the world’s search for authenticity and a fresh start. How does the Christian understanding of newness in Christ differ from the world’s approach to self-improvement? [[15:04]]
3. What does it mean for your life to be “hidden with Christ in God”? How does this provide security and freedom, according to the sermon? [[24:42]]
4. The passage calls believers to “set your hearts and minds on things above.” What is the difference between these two commands, and why are both important? [[17:38]]

1. The sermon described the resurrection and salvation as “booming” realities that should shake us out of complacency. When was the last time you felt genuine awe or gratitude for your salvation? What might help you recover that sense of wonder? [[11:58]]
2. Paul says our actions should flow from our identity in Christ, not just from trying harder. Are there areas in your life where you’re relying on self-effort instead of remembering who you are in Jesus? What would it look like to shift your focus? [[06:19]]
3. The world is always searching for a “fresh start” or “authentic self.” Have you ever tried to reinvent yourself apart from Christ? How did that compare to the transformation you’ve experienced (or hope to experience) in Jesus? [[15:04]]
4. The sermon talked about setting both our hearts (affections) and minds (thoughts) on things above. Is there a specific distraction or earthly focus that’s keeping you from this? What practical step could you take this week to reorient your heart or mind? [[17:38]]
5. “Dying to self” can sound scary, but the sermon said it’s actually the gateway to true life and security. What is one area where you struggle to let go of control or self-protection? How might trusting your life is “hidden with Christ” help you take a step of faith? [[24:42]]
6. The love of the Father is described as the foundation of our identity. Do you struggle to believe that God loves you personally and perfectly? What would change in your life if you truly believed this? [[29:44]]
7. The final “boom” is the hope of Christ’s return and our future glory. How does this future hope shape the way you live today? Is there a specific way you can let this hope influence your choices or attitude this week? [[34:18]]