PUT OFF… PUT ON…Part 3

Colossians 3:12-17

Meeting Purpose

To discuss and apply Colossians 3:12-17, focusing on putting on Christian virtues and letting Christ's word dwell richly.

Key Takeaways

- The group explored practical applications of love, peace, thankfulness, and dwelling in God's word

- Personal stories highlighted the challenges and importance of exhibiting Christ-like love and peace

- Singing Scripture was emphasized as a powerful way to internalize God's word

Topics

Applying Biblical Virtues

o Participants shared personal experiences of trying and failing to apply virtues like patience in daily life

o Examples: Jim's experience during a 5-day trip with his wife, Peter's perspective shift on parenting failures

o Key insight: Gradual process of God revealing truth repeatedly leads to change

Love (Agape)

o Defined as holy, self-giving disposition originating from God, displayed in Christ

o Practical applications discussed:

o Making friends with "unfriendable" people

o Showing kindness without expectation of return

o Putting up with annoying or arrogant individuals

Peace and Thankfulness

o Peace viewed as security centered in God, connected to unity among believers

o Bidirectional relationship between peace and thankfulness explored

o Example: Leroy Foster's peaceful response to aggression during a baseball game

Letting the Word Dwell Richly

o Importance of comprehension beyond intellectual understanding emphasized

o Holy Spirit's role in deeper comprehension highlighted

o Singing Scripture recognized as effective method for internalizing God's word

o Multiple participants shared memorized Bible verses in song form

Next Steps

1. Continue reflecting on and applying Colossians 3:12-17 in daily life

2. Practice showing love in small, mundane ways throughout each day

3. Cultivate thankfulness to foster peace in challenging situations

4. Incorporate singing of Scripture to aid in letting God's word dwell richly