Sermon Summary
In Colossians 3:8-11 the apostle Paul begins to speak of our moral life as being like clothing that we wear. We need to rid ourselves of the clothing that our “old self” used to wear and put on clothing that is a better fit for our “new self.” Just as the clothes we wear might be worn out or dirty or simply the wrong size for our bodies, so our behaviour can be a poor fit for the new life we have been given in Jesus (this new life is talked about in Colossians 3:3-4).
The Old Clothes We Need to Change Out Of
Having discussed, in verse 5, matters of sexual immorality and greed (which are mostly internal desires gone wrong), Paul now shifts his focus to the problems we have in our relationships with others. These problems come out most obviously in the way we speak to others, whether in angry or hurtful words, slander or lying, or simply rude or abusive language. God has reached out to rescue because of his deep love for us as creatures made in his image. When we tear each other down with words, we are sinning not only against people but also against the God who made those people.
So just as in verse 5, here we are given a list of sinful behaviours to consider. This means we are again invited to examine our lives. Since as believers we inhabit a world of forgiveness brought by Jesus Christ, we can find mercy for our failures. There is no reason to be afraid of looking at our lives honestly. Let us confess our sins and receive God’s forgiveness.
Keeping Fit for our New Clothes
One of the keys to our new life is the “renewal in knowledge” mentioned in verse 10. Our minds matter. Romans 12:2 and Ephesians 4:23 all refer to this transformation of our minds. As we learn more about Jesus and about God’s character and his will, we are getting into “better shape” in our Christian life. Our imaginations and thoughts are being touched by holiness. This allows us increasingly to navigate our lives in ways that please God.
We can participate in God’s work of renewal by watching what we let into our minds each day. Our media consumption, the conversations we engage in, the habits we let go unexamined can all have a negative influence on our fitness as disciples. In a similar way, by filling our minds with the Word of God and engaging in conversations about theological and spiritual matters, we can encourage the work of renewal that the Holy Spirit wants for us.
Discussion Questions
1. Read Colossians 3:8-11. This passage focuses on the pain that our words can cause. James 3:2-12 also speaks about the harm that can be done with words. Have you had any personal experience that has brought home to you the trouble that words can cause?
2. Is it difficult to think about sins without feeling despair? When the New Testament writers discuss sin, how do you understand these passages to connect to the good news of Jesus?
3. When it comes to speech and communication, what are the most challenging areas for you? How might you “rid yourself” of these things? Is it easier for you to fall into these sinful ways among those you know well or among acquaintances and strangers? Why do you think that might be?
4. The Lord is “renewing us in knowledge” as we go through life with him. How much do you think your own life with God includes “loving God with all your mind”?
5. Think of your favourite book or television show. How does your level of familiarity with its story and characters compare with your level of familiarity with the Bible’s story and characters and themes?
6. What are some of the questions or difficulties that linger for you about the deep meaning of the Christian faith or about the ways of God in both the past and the present? Are there any questions or concerns that you have long had but haven’t yet fully explored? Are you interested in continuing to explore them?
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