Bible Reading
Colossians 3:1-17 “If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth. For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. When Christ who is your life appears, then you also will appear with him in glory. Put to death therefore what is earthly in you: sexual immorality, impurity, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry. On account of these the wrath of God is coming. In these you too once walked, when you were living in them. But now you must put them all away: anger, wrath, malice, slander, and obscene talk from your mouth. Do not lie to one another, seeing that you have put off the old self with its practices and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge after the image of its creator. Here there is not Greek and Jew, circumcised and uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave, free; but Christ is all, and in all. Put on then, as God's chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience, bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive. And above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony. And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God. And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.”
[00:05]Colossians 2:20-23 “If with Christ you died to the elemental spirits of the world, why, as if you were still alive in the world, do you submit to regulations— 'Do not handle, Do not taste, Do not touch' (referring to things that all perish as they are used)—according to human precepts and teachings? These have indeed an appearance of wisdom in promoting self-made religion and asceticism and severity to the body, but they are of no value in stopping the indulgence of the flesh.”
[09:28]Matthew 6:33 “But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.”
[21:09]Observation questions
- In Colossians 2:20–23, what kinds of human rules and religious practices does Paul describe, and what does he say they cannot accomplish? [09:28]
- In Colossians 3:1–4, what realities about believers’ identity and future does Paul give before commanding them to seek things above? [19:49]
- What old patterns does Paul tell believers to put away in Colossians 3:5–9, and what new qualities does he tell them to put on in verses 12–14? [30:17]
- According to Colossians 3:15–17, what are the repeated practices that should shape the life of the gathered church?
Interpretation questions
- Why does Paul root the call to holiness in believers having died and been raised with Christ, rather than simply giving a list of rules to follow? [20:17]
- Paul says that self-made religion has an appearance of wisdom but cannot restrain sinful desires. What is the difference between managing outward behavior and experiencing the heart-level change described in Colossians 3? [10:15]
- The commands to seek things above, set minds above, teach, and admonish are addressed to the whole church. What does this show about each believer’s responsibility for the spiritual good of others? [22:44]
- Paul connects forgiveness, love, Christ’s peace, thankfulness, and the word of Christ. How do these truths work together when conflict or hurt arises between believers? [35:27]
Application questions
- What “human rules,” self-improvement plans, or worldly messages are most tempting to trust for change? Where have those approaches fallen short of dealing with the heart? [11:12]
- Christ is the believer’s life, and identity in him is more basic than failure, personality, circumstances, or preferences. Which of those things most often shapes the way you think about yourself, and how can you deliberately set your mind on what is true in Christ this week? [28:04]
- Is there an old pattern—such as anger, harsh speech, dishonesty, sexual sin, coveting, or selfish desire—that you have been managing rather than putting to death? What would repentance and a concrete replacement with a Christlike pattern look like? [29:54]
- Which quality from Colossians 3:12–14—compassion, kindness, humility, meekness, patience, forbearance, forgiveness, or love—is most needed in your relationships right now? What is one situation this week in which you can intentionally “put it on”? [33:22]
- Is there a relationship in which hurt, fear, pride, or waiting to “feel ready” has kept you from pursuing peace? What faithful next step might be appropriate: praying, confessing sin, making a call, asking for forgiveness, or beginning a careful conversation? [34:09]
- Who in your church family may be hurting alone or drifting into a harmful pattern? How could you move beyond distant concern and come alongside that person with humility, prayer, and biblical encouragement? [25:47]
- What would it look like for the word of Christ to dwell more richly in your daily conversations, decisions, affections, and care for others? Consider one specific way to take in Scripture and one specific person with whom you can share its encouragement this week. [38:33]
