This post is the wrap up for our monthlong, online Bible study focusing on Colossians 3:1-17 called, Renewed: Putting on the New Self.
Have you enjoyed our Bible study this month? We’ve focused on what is some have called the “guidelines for holy living” found in Colossians 3:1-17. Like I mentioned in the introductory post to this series, “This passage is a rich description of what the ‘risen life’ looks like— a life of union with Christ. This sort of Christian living is the kind that puts away earthly things in favor of heavenly ones.”
Posts in This Study:
Introduction and Verses 1-2:
In our first post, I looked at verses 1 and 2 and what it means to seek Christ and set our minds on things above, “not on the things of the earth. This type of shift in our mindset will most certainly renew us. Our Savior is so very worthy of being the center of our attention!” Let’s seek (actively look for and pursue) knowing Christ more intimately.
Verses 3-4:
How can you live a renewed life today? What does it mean to put away earthly things to live for Christ, your life? In this post, I closely examine verses 3-4 and look at what it means to put on the new self and look to the Savior as the example of how to live, serve, and love others. Instead of following any teaching that goes against what Jesus taught, we follow Christ and exalt Him as our living Teacher of truth.
Verses 5-7:
Jaime says, “These three verses sum up exactly how much we need a savior! We cannot master the sin nature on our own. But Jesus did conquer it. He put to death the earthly desires freeing us from their grip. And because Jesus was put to death, we can live in freedom, reconciled to God. Because He conquered the grave, we live renewed.”
Verses 8-10:
Lisa tells us that verses 8-9 remind us not to “dress” in the outdated “clothes” of who we were before Christ. Instead, we should “put on the new self.” (Colossians 3:10) This wardrobe works because these new clothes are Christ Himself. And He’s already perfect. We are renewed because of who Jesus is, not because of who we are. We’ve been given a wardrobe update. Let’s put it on and wear it well. It fits us perfectly.
Verses 11-13:
Cheli shows us how these verses give a detailed description of what being clothed in Christ looks like. “Regular rhythms of prayer, scripture study, and Bible memorization direct our hearts and minds to conform to Christ. With our new clothes we can “be Christ” to the world. Being clothed in Christ renews our identity, character, and action. We can set our hearts on Christ by seeking unity in the body of Christ, putting on His righteousness, and forgiving others as He has graciously forgiven us.”
Verses 14-15:
Jennifer shares, “I am amazed to see what is packed into these two little verses: Put on love. Be ruled by peace. By contentedly thankful. Wow. That can certainly transform our home. But how? Our hearts grow in love, peace, and gratitude when our eyes lift from our present circumstances up to worship our Lord and delight in the things of God.”
Verses 16-17:
Kelli reminds us that we can’t live a “renewed life” in our own power; it must a result of the Holy Spirit! If we try to be good on our own “our goodness will run out. We’d find our old ways creeping back in — anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, and filthy language (v 8) just to name a few. As we live our renewed lives may we never forget to hold fast to Christ! How does this look? 1) by letting the word of Christ dwell in us and 2) doing all in the name of the Lord Jesus.”
We are so glad that you came along with us on our study of Colossians 3:1-17. We pray that it blessed you.
Happy Thanksgiving!
We also want to take a minute to let you know that when we’re counting our blessings this Thanksgiving, we count you among them. We appreciate our readers, and are blessed when you comment, message us, share our materials, and exalt the Savior along side us. To God be all the glory!
May you and yours have a wonderful and blessed Thanksgiving! May you rejoice in gratitude that you can live life Renewed in Christ.
In Him,
Ali
Ali, this is great! Amen. I did not follow this. I did not there was a bible study. I am so sorry. Hope you have a beautiful Thanksgiving. Thanks for sharing this. Amen.