PUT OFF… PUT ON…

Colossians 3:5-11

Meeting Purpose

Weekly Bible study and discussion on Colossians 3:5-11, focusing on Christian behavior and identity in Christ.

Key Takeaways

- Christians are called to "put to death" sinful behaviors and attitudes, relying on the Holy Spirit's power

- Paul lists specific sins to avoid, including immorality, impurity, and sins of speech

- Believers have a new identity in Christ that transcends cultural, ethnic, and social boundaries

- Sanctification is an ongoing process of becoming more like Christ in thought, word, and deed

Topics

Scripture Study: Colossians 3:5-11

- Focused on the transition from doctrine to practice in Paul's letter

- Examined two lists of sins: those of passion/appetite (v.5) and those of speech (v.8-9)

- Discussed the command to "put to death" earthly traits, emphasizing reliance on the Holy Spirit

- Explored the concept of putting off the "old self" and putting on the "new self" in Christ

Application of Scripture

- Proactively resisting sinful habits through prayer, accountability, and time with God

- Taking sin seriously, recognizing its consequences while understanding God's discipline as corrective

- Emphasizing truthfulness, kindness, and purity in speech

- Acknowledging sanctification as a process of growing in knowledge and trust of God

Unity in Christ

- Discussed how Christ breaks down barriers between different groups (e.g., Jew/Greek, slave/free)

- Noted the inclusion of even feared groups like Scythians in God's plan of salvation

- Reflected on Revelation 5:9, emphasizing God's desire to redeem people from all backgrounds

- Challenged participants to consider who they might be intimidated by and need to share the gospel with

Group Discussion and Sharing

- Participants shared personal struggles with sin and the sanctification process

- Discussed the difference between judgment and discipline in God's dealings with believers

- Shared examples of God's grace in personal experiences (e.g., Steve's granddaughter before a judge)

- Recommended A.W. Tozer's works, particularly "The Knowledge of the Holy"

Next Steps

1. Continue studying Colossians in future meetings

2. Plan to study the book of Hosea after completing Colossians

3. Encourage ongoing personal reflection on putting off sinful behaviors and embracing new identity in Christ

4. Foster an environment of honesty and support in struggling with sin and growing in faith

In summary, Colossians 3:5–11 urges us to take sin seriously, shed the old self, embrace our new identity in Christ, and live in harmony with others. It’s about sanctification—becoming more like Jesus Christ in thought, word, and deed.

Here are some applications to consider:

1. Proactively resist and cut off sinful habits (sexual immorality, greed, impurity) rather than excusing them.

2. Take sin seriously, remembering that it brings God’s judgment, which should keep us humble and vigilant.

3. The former ways of living belong to your past, not your present life in Christ.

4. Sin is not only about actions but also words and inner attitudes. Followers of Christ are called to truthfulness, kindness, and purity of speech.

5. Sanctification is a process. We grow as we learn Christ more deeply and align our lives with His character.

6. Christ overcomes all cultural, social, and ethnic boundaries. The church should reflect unity across backgrounds.