Summary of the Sermon Points:
Introduction: Our Life in Christ is All About Transformation
In Colossians 3:5-7, Paul begins to talk about the details involved in the changes Jesus wants to make in our lives. The reality is that he has changed us in one sense already (Colossians 3:1-4). Now our lives are to reflect more and more the ways that best fit his people. This transformation is the work of sanctification, or being made holy.
Who is Involved in this Transformation?
In a parallel passage in Ephesians 4, we learn that the Holy Spirit is active in making the changes in our lives. He has “sealed us for the day of redemption.” This means that our destiny is secure if we belong to Jesus Christ. The changes in our behaviour are the way we daily experience and participate in the work of the Holy Spirit. When we read about our new way of life and new standards of morality, this is not a condemnation but an invitation for us to let God do what he knows is best for us.
What is the Goal of the Transformation?
God’s goal is to make us more like God (Ephesians 4:24). If he corrects us along the way—which he will, convicting us of sin and nudging us in new directions—this is a sign of God’s love, the very opposite of judgment. Paul says that conviction of sin and correction are “godly sorrow”: a temporary sadness that leads us to a better and more secure place. This sorrow is the opposite of harm, even if it hurts in the moment.
What does the Transformation Look Like?
In Colossians 3:5, Paul shines a light on some particular ways that are not fitting for people who are being made new by Jesus Christ. Some of these are attitudes as much as behaviour. He highlights sexual immorality and the desires that go along with it, and greed. Sexual morality is consistently highlighted in Scripture as being particularly important. It is not the only sin, but it is dangerous to minimize its seriousness. Greed and sexual immorality both are often tied to desires that have gone beyond the bounds God sets on them. In a culture that routinely encourages both greed and sexual desire, Christians are called to be on guard and to stand out from the world around us.
Conclusion
We pay attention to our progress in holiness not to see if we measure up, but to participate actively in God’s work in our growth. When we fail to meet God's standard--which we will--we return to him for his gracious forgiveness and ongoing help.
Discussion Questions
Personal reflection questions:
1. What is the greatest transformation you’ve ever seen in a person’s life? (This could be a physical or moral or emotional or mental transformation—and can be someone you know personally or have only heard about.) What was the cause of the turnaround in their life?
2. Think of one thing you’d like to change in your own life. Why is this change desirable? What will it take for it to happen?
3. Consider two or three things you aspire to in your life with Jesus. What steps might you take to get closer to these realities?
Biblical observation questions:
Colossians 3:5 lists several attitudes or behaviours that work against our life in Christ. They include both inward and outward behaviours, but for the most part they focus on our appetites or wants.
1. Read Galatians 5:19-21, Ephesians 5:3-5, and Mark 7:20-23.
a. Compare the lists of sinful behaviours in these passages with Colossians 3:5. What things are common to the lists?
b. Why do you think these particular behaviours or habits might be highlighted?
c. What kinds of damage is done by these behaviours?
2. Much of Colossians 3:5 is concerned with sexual morality. It seems to be especially important in the biblical view of Christian life. Read 1 Corinthians 6:12-20.
a. According to this passage, why does sexual morality matter?
b. How does this differ from society’s views of sexual morality?
3. Colossians 3:5 also talks about greed, equating it with idolatry.
a. How does greed connect with the attitudes or behaviours listed before it in this verse?
b. What do you think idolatry has to do with greed?
Biblical/theological reflection questions:
Read Ephesians 4:17-24. In verses 22-24, Paul lists three actions that he says the Ephesians were taught about how they would move beyond their “former way of life”.
1. What are the three actions he mentions? (Hint: there is one in each verse.)
2. What do you think each of these actions involves? Why are they necessary?
3. How might you take practical steps toward implementing these in your own life, starting this week?
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