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 deceptive religious-sounding ideas—ideas and practices that constrict a believer’s freedom in Christ and replace it with legalism.
We’ve observed before in our Colossians study that it’s all about Jesus. In what sense is your life all about Jesus? What does that even mean for you?
The Colossian believers were surrounded by deceptive ideas. Read Col. 2:11-15. Note the specific benefits enjoyed by every believer in Jesus. (It’s an awesome list; make a few notes)
Only after Paul affirms who we are in Christ does he then tell us what to do. Read Col. 2:16-19. What are the practices Paul highlights?
Legalism is the deadly enemy of our freedom in Christ. What is legalism? Read Col. 2:20-23. What legalistic practices does this passage warn us about?
Why is legalism appealing to so many? In what ways have you moved from legalism to freedom in Christ?
Further Reading
Doubting Doubt
Doubt is the presence of uncertainty. This uncertainty can present itself at anytime, for both believers and skeptics alike. The aim for both is to consider their own positions of doubt and consider these beliefs in view of a risen Jesus. Whether a believer or a...
When Jesus Restores…
Receiving forgiveness and experiencing restoration can become pivotal moments that shape our character. Peter received a course correction for life as Jesus gently but powerfully restored their relationship and Peter’s role. Together, we can grow deeper into Jesus’...
Overcoming Failure
Failing is a common but disappointing life experience that always seems to catch us by surprise. When our failures are placed into the hand of Jesus, he can use even our shortcomings to fuel our growth. Let’s discover the part failure played in Peter’s life and how we...
Forgiveness
As God has forgiven us, we are to forgive each other. In the Parable of the Unforgiving Servant, Jesus is teaching His disciples, and us by extension, that forgiveness should be in like proportion to the amount forgiven. The first servant had been forgiven all, and he...
Peter’s Confession and Jesus’ Church
Jesus accomplishes his mission through his Church, but our part in a local church can be challenging as well as rewarding. In Matthew 16, we discover part of the foundation for God’s work through his Church and our part in it. How might God be calling you to be part...