New Life in Jesus Christ
Practical Christian living is built on the foundation of theological truth. Because we know that Jesus was raised from the dead, our identification with Him becomes real. This should lead us to see things from God’s perspective and to put His priorities for us into the daily practice of putting to death our old life and living a new life in Jesus Christ.
Read v.5. What are some of the ways you can “put to death” that which belongs to your earthly nature?
How is your new self being renewed as a believer in Jesus Christ? What steps are you taking to make this happen?
What do you think about when you hear Paul say, “Here, there is no Gentile or Jew, circumcised or uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave or free, but Christ is all and is in all?”
Read v.12 and consider how clothing yourself in the virtues listed (compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience) has impacted or would impact, your relationships with others.
How would you define/explain the “perfect unity” Paul mentions in v.14?
Grace in the Ordinary
A right relationship with Jesus Christ manifests itself not in some extraordinary otherworldliness, but in and through our Christ-like conduct and loving human relationships in this world. It is in our conduct and relationships that we are most in need of...
Courageous Authenticity
We may have several roles we play in society: as a spouse, a parent, or a co-worker, to name a few. At the same time, there are cultural standards for what it means to be “good” at the various roles we find ourselves in. But these cultural standards are sometimes in...
Remember Who You Are
Compromise is everywhere. It’s a potential pitfall even for the most well-intentioned Christian. No wonder Paul reminds the Colossians to remember who they are in Christ. Affirming the life-changing benefits of a relationship with Jesus means we’re alert to even...
Look Out & Look Up
As we survey our current surroundings, we find a wealth of perspectives on “how the world works.” Which of these ideas we embrace will determine how we act and behave. The same was true in Colossians when Paul warned against “fine-sounding arguments” or “hollow and...
Moving Toward Maturity
Through Jesus, all things are reconciled to God. That doesn’t mean that all will be saved but that all are now savable. A believer who continually pursues Christ will grow and move toward maturity in Him. But some believers who ignore their need to mature will remain...