(NASV) Col 3:5-17 5 Therefore consider the members of your earthly body as dead to immorality, impurity, passion, evil desire, and greed, which amounts to idolatry. 6 For it is because of these things that the wrath of God will come upon the sons of disobedience, 7 and in them you also once walked, when you were living in them. 8 But now you also, put them all aside: anger, wrath, malice, slander, and abusive speech from your mouth. 9 Do not lie to one another, since you laid aside the old self with its evil practices, 10 and have put on the new self who is being renewed to a true knowledge according to the image of the One who created him-- 11 a renewal in which there is no distinction between Greek and Jew, circumcised and uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave and freeman, but Christ is all, and in all. 12 So, as those who have been chosen of God, holy and beloved, put on a heart of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience; 13 bearing with one another, and forgiving each other, whoever has a complaint against anyone; just as the Lord forgave you, so also should you. 14 Beyond all these things put on love, which is the perfect bond of unity. 15 Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body; and be thankful. 16 Let the word of Christ richly dwell within you, with all wisdom teaching and admonishing one another with psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with thankfulness in your hearts to God. 17 Whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through Him to God the Father.

S_P_E_C_K

Is there a Sin for me to avoid?

Is there a Promise that I can trust in?

Is there an Example that I should follow?

Is there a Command that I should obey?

Is there some Knowledge that would help me understand the Lord’s will better?

1. (vs 5) If we are dead to sins of the flesh, then why is Paul telling Christians to consider these attributes of the flesh as dead? Explain the tension between the concept of being and becoming.

2. (vs 5) Literally, Paul sez “members that are upon the earth”. What other term does Paul often use in his epistles to describe this same concept of “earthly nature”? What are some other references in Paul’s letters?

3. (vs 5) When Paul directs the Christians at Colossae to “put to death” these immoral practices, what is his theological basis for this command? How has Paul established this basis in the letter? Do you think Paul has made his case? Why is being a Christian incompatible with the practices and attitudes that Paul lists?

4. Consider the “process of sin.” Is sin ever instantaneous (Crimes of Passion?)? How can a Christian break this “process of sin”? (James 1:13-15)

5. (vs 5) Why do you think Paul describes the sin of greed as “idolatry”?

6. (vs 6) When Paul sez that the “wrath of God” is coming, what does he mean?

7. (vs 8) What is slander? How can slander destroy unity in a congregation? What is the antidote to slander?

8. (vs 9-10) How is taking off the old self and putting on the new self like changing clothes? Does taking off and putting on sometimes take great effort? How? Is this merely an outward change like changing clothes? Or is it an inward change? Is this changing a one-time deal or do you need to keep on changing? Why?

9. (vs 11) Paul describes different classes or types of people. What did he mean and why do you think he said this? What possibility does Paul’s use of these contrasts suggest for the make up of the Colossian congregation? In such a congregation, how would Paul’s direction to put away anger and slander apply?

10. (vs 16) Paul refers to thankfulness. What other verses does he mention this concept? What does he mean?

11. (vs 15) What do you think is meant by the phrase “Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts”? Why does Paul go on to say “let the word of Christ richly dwell within you.”? How does this happen?