Jesus + Nothing Part 6 - "Transformation"
Colossians 3:1-15
Week Six
Opening Questions:
When you’re finished with your old clothes, what do you often do with them?
How do you know you are finished with them?
Important to Know:
This is the part of Paul’s letter that transitions from the “observation” to the “application” section. Paul has explained who Christ is, and what He has freed us from. Chapter 3 says that since these things are true, we should behave in certain ways. This involves inner change (recalibrating our hearts and minds) as well as outer change (how we interact with one another). In the centre of Paul’s list of traits for holy living, and his rules for holy households, Paul takes the chance to remind us not just why but HOW we do this: by letting the peace of God rule our hearts, letting the Word of Christ dwell in us, doing everything in the name of the Lord, and giving thanks to the Father. How incredible! Every inner and outer change overflows from our meditation on Jesus, and what He offers us! Not on our own power (2:23).
Questions from the Text:
1. What do you think it means to set your heart on things above? Your mind?
2. How is our life hidden with Christ in God (vs. 3)? Why should this give us a sense of security?
3. What does the phrase “put to death” (vs. 5) mean to you?
4. In verses 5-9, what things are we supposed to “put to death” and not do anymore. What sort of categories do these things fall into?
5. In verse 10, what is our new self-starting to look like?
6. What is the only label/status that can be attached to someone being transformed into the image of God?
7. With what are we to clothe ourselves (vs. 12-14)?
8. What characteristic binds all the others in perfect unity? a. Why do you think love has the power to do this?
Application Questions:
Which of the “clothes” in verses 12-14 do you think you have a hard time “wearing”? What “spiritual clothes” do you see each other wearing?
(affirm each other here)
How can you practically bind yourself in love this week?
