A Colossians Bible Study

Reflecting Christ's Likeness

One of our Short Devotions

A Colossians Bible Study from Chapter 3

Hockey Death No Surprise to Sports Observers

This was the headline on July 12, 2000 in the USA Today newspaper. In Lynnfield, Massachusetts, the father of one hockey player killed the father of another hockey player because he thought his son was being roughed up too much during a practice.

photo courtesy of Bobolink

Pornography and Lust

Years ago Ted Bundy killed 28 women and children. Hours before he was executed he was interviewed by James Dobson from Focus on the Family. Bundy offered this final reflection. “Pornography had an impact on me that was very central to the development of other violent behavior. I led a normal life – except for one small but potent and destructive segment of it."

Gambling and Greed

Americans lost nearly 91 billion dollars on all forms of gambling according to the 2006 Gross Annual Wager Report. What is the motivation behind the 86% of Americans who have gambled at least once during their lives? Could it be greed – a desire to “get rich quick?”

Does Your Behavior Reflect Sin or God?

Christians must come to terms with actions that do not reflect the likeness of Jesus. Behavior rooted in anger, lust and greed reflect what sin is like not what God is like.

A Colossians Bible Study teaches that Every Believer Reflects Something

The Bible teaches that everyone reflects a certain disposition. We either reflect the old disposition, which the Bible calls your “old self” or we reflect the new disposition, which the Bible calls your “new self.” In Colossians 3:5-9 the apostle Paul describes the old self and it’s not a pretty picture.

The old disposition has a prevailing inclination toward:

sexual immorality
impurity
lust
evil desires
greed
idolatry
anger
rage
malice
slander
filthy language
lying

On the other hand, in Colossians 3:12-16 Paul describes the new disposition. The new self is a frame of mind that is characterized by:

compassion
kindness
humility
gentleness
patience
forgiveness
love
unity
peace
gratitude
wisdom
encouragement

Look Into the Mirror

These lists function like a mirror. In which list do you see yourself? The issue is: which list describes your prevailing frame of mind? When Jesus comes into your heart, He brings an agenda with Him – to change your nature so that your life reflects his likeness.

God's approach to personal change.

The world’s approach to personal change is more education – a new book, a seminar, or a DVD. God’s approach to personal change is a surrendered will – yielding your will to Christ with a humble and submissive spirit. Is there a new seminar that can transform an angry, lustful, or greedy person into a forgiving, moral, and contented person? No, but there’s a Person who can. If you will let Him, Jesus will teach your mind, control your emotions, and govern your behavior. He can change your attitude to reflect his likeness.

Learn more about the Person who can teach your mind, control your emotions and govern your behavior. Listen to Christ in You - His Presence -- Part 1 of our four part audio sermon on the Person of the Holy Spirit.

Complete lessons on the Holy Spirit are found in What's Missing Inside You?

Author: Paul Schlieker www.bible-study-lesson-plans.com

Discussion ideas for a Colossians Bible Study

1. Read Colossians 3:5-16.

2. What one word would summarize the old nature or self? the new nature?

3. When have you seen the limitation of "more education" to transform people's lives?

4. How do you practically yield your will to Christ's?

5. How has Jesus transformed your prevailing attitude? What encouragement and help can you give the others in your small group?

Another Colossians Bible Study from Colossians 3:3 instructs us to focus on things above -- get our Christian priorities straight.

We also have an audio sermon based on Colossians 3 -- Becoming Like Jesus

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