Learn:
If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God. Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth. For ye are dead and your life is hid with Christ in God. When Christ, who is our life shall appear, then shall ye also appear with him in glory.
Colossians 3:12-14
Read: Colossians 3:1-17
Colossians 3:12-17 is about showing forth the new life that we have in Christ. This should be seen by our mental attitudes that reflect the character of Jesus. His peace and word should direct us in the body of Christ (the church) as you do all his name with thankfulness.
- From verse 12, what 3 things define what a Christian is?
- The terms “elect of God” and “holy” mean much the same as “saints” as used in Colossians 1:2. Why have they received this designation? Ephesians 2:8, 9
- In verses 5-9 we are commanded to put off (stop doing) certain behaviors. In place of the “old man’ s” way of living we are to take unto ourselves the characteristics of our “new man.” What are five things we are commanded to put on or do in verse 12?
- Use the following Scriptures to explain what each of the characteristics listed looks like in the way that we respond to others.
-I Peter 3:8
-Luke 6:35
-Philippians 2:3, 4
-I Peter 3:9
-Titus 3:2 - How are we to deal with any disagreements that come between us and fellow believers? v 13a, Why? 13b
- Explain the idea of “forbearing one another.”
- Each believer should want to show forth “perfectness”, that is maturity, in their life. What is the WORD that sums up all of the behavior that we are to display as Christians? v 14
- It is our love for Christ and our love for our fellow believers that will enable us to show forth a beautiful character as described in verse 12, 13. When we have such a character, what 2 things will rule in our lives? v 15
- Use the following verses to help to understand how the “peace of God” ruling in our lives affects us daily.
-John 14:27
-John 16:33
-Hebrews 4:10
-Romans 12:18
-Philippians 4:11 - Use verse 15 to explain why this life of charity and peace is for all Christians and not just a select few.
- The work of thanksgiving to God is such a sweet and pleasant work that it will help to make us sweet and pleasant towards all men. List several verses that tell us some of the things that we are to be thankful for.
- What are we to do with the “word of Christ?” v 16
- What does it mean If something “dwells” in a place?NOTE: The word should not dwell in us as a servant in a family, who is under another’s control, but as the master, who has a right to prescribe to and direct all under his roof. We must take our directions and instructions from it, and all our necessities for strength and comfort as needed. It must always be ready and at hand to us in everything. MATTHEW HENRY COMMENTARY COLOSSIANS P764 What can we do practically get the “word of Christ” to dwell in us “richly?” Psalm 119:11, 81, 97; II Timothy 2:15
- To know the word of Christ well is to have it dwelling in our hearts, but how will we obtain that it dwell in us richly, rather than poorly? v 16a
- Explain the word “wisdom” in the Biblical sense.
- Use James 1:22-25 to explain the problem of gaining much knowledge of the word of Christ, but of that knowledge not becoming wisdom in that person’s life. Also see I Corinthians 8:1; Matthew 7:24, 26, 27.
As the word of Christ dwells in us richly, what will be the natural outworking of it from us towards others? v 16 - As we teach and admonish each other, what will be the benefit to us personally?
- What kind of music are we to sing as believers? v 16
- Does God change his direction for the type of music we are to sing to reflect what is culturally acceptable? Explain your answer.
- As a Christian how often should we do things in the name of Christ? v 17
NOTE: To do things in the name of Christ:
That is according to his command,
and in compliance with his authority,
by strength derived from him,
and with an eye to his glory,
and depending upon his merit for the acceptance of what is good and the pardon for what is not good. MATTHEW HENRY COMMENTARY, Colossians p.765 - In whatever we do, what should be our attitude towards God the Father? v 17