Colossians part 3-Christ our Life

What an encouragement this book is!  So much truth about who and what Christ is to us and my prayer is that this week’s study will give you even more to lean on…

 

The first chapter tells about who Christ is and the work He has done on our behalf.  In chapter 2 we read about our identity-who we are in Him.  Chapter 3 is very practical and essential for day to day living; in verse 4 it calls Christ “our life.”  The first part of chapter 3 describes how you can live as a new man, one saved and changed forever by the transforming work of Jesus. 

 

This week we will cover the first 17 verses of Colossians chapter 3. 

 

1.       There are two selves described in this passage.  One being the old man, one being the new.  The old man was your self before Jesus resided in you through the presence of the Holy Spirit on the basis of faith.  Cross reference the word self (which can also be translated man) by reading Romans 6:1-11 and Ephesians 4:17-24. 

 

2.       Now read verses 3-11.  There are many things God instructs us to consider dead in us, as it’s how we used to live before if you are a believer and His Spirit lives in you.  List the things in these verses that describe you before God’s work.

 

Journal prompt:  As you listed the qualities above, is there any you still struggle with because they had such a deep hold in your life before following Jesus?  Are there any He has freed you from?  Spend time in prayer asking Him to continue to work or praising Him for the release of bondage.

 

3.        Now read verses 10-17.  As it said in verse 3 you have died, the old man is gone!  List the things in this section that characterize the new man.

 

Journal Prompt:  So how do you walk as the new man without being legalistic?  The end of chapter 2 described the pursuit of holiness by following rules as living with “the appearance of wisdom.”  Cross reference these verses in Colossians to help you formulate your answer; 1:9; 2:2,3; 3:1,2. 

 

4.        Now read Galatians 5:19-23 and note any things about the old/new man that you learn (old=flesh, new=fruit of the Spirit).

 

Journal Prompt: When studying about the inner transformation that occurs within us, how we relate to other people will also change.  In verse 13 Paul mentions that since the Lord has forgiven you, you must also forgive, bearing with one another.  How did the study this week convict you of your relationship to others?  Is there anything God wants to change in how you treat other people?