Resurrection Life

Resurrection Life, Life in Christ, pt. 5: Col 3:1-17

Good morning, Church. We give thanks to God the Father today for waking us up in our right minds, for bringing us here safely, and for being a God worthy of praise. As we’ve been reminded during our study through the first two chapters of the Apostle Paul’s letter to the Colossians, we owe everything to the majestic power and authority of Jesus Christ our Lord. There is no real life outside of him, but thanks to his loving sacrifice we can be united with him and have access to his power and grace.

Last week we heard Paul talk about the dangers of man-made religion and false teachings that can either enslave us or give us a false sense of liberty. It’s really difficult sometimes to know what to believe and what to do because Scripture doesn’t speak directly to each thing we encounter in our lives, so when we find ourselves in those gray areas of life, we especially have to focus on loving those we disagree with and giving as much grace as we hope God gives us.

Today, however, Paul helps us by teaching us some things that are indisputably good and some things that are undeniably bad. These are settled boundary markers from God that help keep us focused and aligned with his will, his character, and his mission. They help give us a sense of what it is to live like Christ in this resurrection life he has given all who have been united with him in faith. 

As we study this morning, let’s personalize what Paul says so that we leave this place having had a genuine experience with the Father through the Holy Spirit. That can happen when we repent of the things we need to cast off and appeal to him for help in growing in those things of Christ that we need to give our lives a holier shape and purpose. He is with us. He can hear us. And He will help us.

— Patrick Barber

Life in Christ, pt 5: Col 3.1-17, Resurrection Life

Digging Deeper:

1. In Colossians 3:5-9, Paul lists a number of things that are sinful.  What are some other sins that he could have added to this list?  Why didn’t he mention those things, too?
2. What are some sinful attitudes or practices that you still struggle with?
3. Why does Paul describe these sinful things as “earthly” (Col 3:5) as opposed to “things that are above” (Col 3:1-2)? 
4. In Colossians 3:12-17, Paul lists a number of godly attributes that we should all work to develop.  Which of these are evident in you, and what’s one that you’d really like to develop further?
5. How do we grow in these godly traits?