Gospel Clothes (Part 1)

Gospel Clothes (Part 1)

Colossians 3:1-11

The Gospel of Jesus Christ enables me to…

Take off earthly thoughts and put on heavenly thoughts. (1-4)

Take off self-worship and put on Christ-worship. (5-7)

Take off selfishness and put on peace. (8-10)

Take off division and put on unity. (11)

Are you wearing Gospel Clothes?

Gospel Clothes (Part 1)

Colossians 3:1-11

1. Read 1-4. Notice the true statements throughout these verses. What is true about our salvation in Christ? What does it mean that “you have died…” in verse 3a? Look back at 2:12-14. How does your “death in sin” affect how you think? What about the fact you were “raised (1a)?” “Hidden (3b)?” “Will appear (4b)?” What are the “above things” that Paul is talking about in verse 2 (Love God, Love others, make disciples, future hope in Glory etc.)? What is the difference between “seeking” heavenly things and thinking (setting you mind) on heavenly things? What have you been thinking about the most today? Was it more earthly or more heavenly?

2. Read 5-7. The “therefore” is referring to the gospel realities mentioned earlier (died, raised, hidden, appearing). Why does Paul link these gospel realities with “killing” sinful internal attitudes/desires? Paul tells us these sinful attitudes/desires are actually idols (5b). Why? Paul reminds us that we once “walked” in idolatry and were in the crosshairs of God’s wrath. Why? What does it look like to continually “kill” idolatrous desires? Why are we tempted to think there is happiness in any of those sin patterns?

3. Read 8-10. Paul moves from internalto external sinful attitudes. “Put away” carries the idea of removing articles of clothing. Why is anger the “wrong attire” for a Christ follower? Wrath? Malice? Slander? Obscene talk? Lying? Sin stinks! Sin-stained clothes stink! What new clothes does God give us (v. 10)? How is your “new self” being renewed in knowledge? What is the “new self” beginning to look like?

4. Read 11. As we put off the old clothes and put on the gospel clothes something incredible happens. What is it according to verse 11? There begins to emerge a radical unity in Christ. Old distinctions fall away, and Christ becomes our “all.” What old distinctions still exist in Christian community in general (ethnicity, income level, education level etc.) How can we “put those away” and embrace our common Christlikeness? How will this be a glimpse of Heaven? Are there any “old self” distinctions that you instinctively make? How can you work to put that off and put on Christ-likeness?