Monday, October 13, 2008

Colossians 3:1-11

Read v. 1-2. What does Paul say the Colossians should do now that they have been raised with Christ?
  • Set your hearts and minds on things above

Why does Paul differentiate between minds and hearts?

In v. 3, what does it mean that you have died and your life is hidden?
  • hidden can also mean "safe"
  • your salvation is safe but your purity is not

In v. 4, what is the promise we are given as believers?
  • we will appear with Christ in glory

Read v. 5-9. How does keeping our hearts and minds in Christ Jesus or "things above" allow us to put to death the earthly ways?
  • we trust in the sovereignty of God

V.6 discusses the wrath of God. Do we consciously recognize the consequences of our sinful nature despite our secure salvation?
  • Christ suffered on the cross for the sins we commit now
  • God will judge us for the sins we commit on earth despite our salvation

What is it about our hearts that keeps us sinning in these ways (v. 7-9)?
  • we don't see the whole picture, have trouble waiting for the whole picture that we may not see on earth
  • sinful nature

What is different about this knowledge in v. 10 that is different from the knowledge the Colossians are striving to have?
  • God promises a perfect knowledge, which is Him-- it transcends all earthly knowledge

What is revolutionary about Paul's claim in v. 11 that Christ is in all?
  • if it is accessible to all, it cannot glorify one over the other. Likewise, the Colossians' pursuit for greater knowledge that others cannot have is useless-- there is no such thing when it comes to God

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