How should Christians live? Do we still live in anger, rage, malice, slander, and obscene language? Does the peace of Christ rule in our hearts? Are we becoming more and more like our Creator in our families and work life? Let’s discuss this in Colossians 3.
Christian Living
Were we buried with Him in baptism, and raised with Him through faith? Were we once spiritually dead because of our sins? Did God make us alive with Christ? What then should we seek?
If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God. (Colossians 3:1 KJV)
What should we set our minds on?
Set your minds on the things that are above, not on the things that are on earth. (Colossians 3:2 NASB)
Why?
For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God. (Colossians 3:3 NIV)
What will happen to us?
When Christ who is our life appears, then you also will appear with Him in glory. (Colossians 3:4 NKJV)
In the meantime what should we do?
So put to death the sinful, earthly things lurking within you. Have nothing to do with sexual immorality, impurity, lust, and evil desires. Don’t be greedy, for a greedy person is an idolater, worshiping the things of this world. (Colossians 3:5 NLT)
What is God going to do about it?
For these things’ sake the wrath of God comes on the children of disobedience. (Colossians 3:6 WEB)
How was our old way of life?
You used to live this way, when you were alive to these things. But now set aside these things, such as anger, rage, malice, slander, and obscene language. (Colossians 3:7-8 CEB)
What else should we give up?
And stop lying to each other. You have given up your old way of life with its habits. (Colossians 3:9 CEV)
Are we now finished or in the process?
Each of you is now a new person. You are becoming more and more like your Creator, and you will understand him better. (Colossians 3:10 CEV)
Put another way, what have we put on?
and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge after the image of its creator. (Colossians 3:10 ESV)
Do our physical differences matter?
Here there is not Greek and Jew, circumcised and uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave, free; but Christ is all, and in all. (Colossians 3:11 HCSB)
What makes for a loving and pleasant church?
Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering; Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye. (Colossians 3:12-13 KJV)
What is missing that we are divided into so many denominations? What is the perfect bond of unity?
In addition to all these things put on love, which is the perfect bond of unity. (Colossians 3:14 NASB)
What are we called to?
Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. (Colossians 3:15 NIV)
What is the most important word for all who call themselves Christians?
Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord. (Colossians 3:16 NKJV)
Who are we supposed to represent?
And whatever you do or say, do it as a representative of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through him to God the Father. (Colossians 3:17 NLT)
Home & Work
What are two simple, basic principles of marriage?
Wives, be in subjection to your husbands, as is fitting in the Lord. Husbands, love your wives, and don’t be bitter against them. (Colossians 3:18-19 WEB)
What are two simple, basic principles of family life?
Children, obey your parents in everything, because this pleases the Lord. Parents, don’t provoke your children in a way that ends up discouraging them. (Colossians 3:20-21 CEB)
What if we are stuck in slavery or perhaps a job that we don’t like?
Slaves, you must always obey your earthly masters. Try to please them at all times, and not just when you think they are watching. Honor the Lord and serve your masters with your whole heart. Do your work willingly, as though you were serving the Lord himself, and not just your earthly master. In fact, the Lord Christ is the one you are really serving, and you know he will reward you. But Christ has no favorites! He will punish evil people, just as they deserve. (Colossians 3:22-25 CEV)
How should Christians live? Do we still live in anger, rage, malice, slander, and obscene language? Does the peace of Christ rule in our hearts? Are we becoming more and more like our Creator in our families and work life? You decide!
