Mt Pleasant :: Randy Forrester: Colossians - Put to Death These Things

St. Andrew's Church

Bible Study

Don't just take our word for it . . . take His! We would encourage you to spend time examining the following Scriptures that shaped this sermon:

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Sermon Series: Colossians

• Week 8: Raised with Christ
• Week 7: Self-Made Religion
• Week 6: Filled Full in Him
• Week 5: Gospel Servants
• Week 4: A Place to Stand
• Week 3: Christ at the Center
• Week 2: Transferred to a New Kingdom
• Week 1: To the Saints in Christ at Colossae

Sermon Notes

The Apostle Paul's definition of a Christian is someone who has participated spiritually in the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ; they have died to the old sinful self and received a new life and identity from Jesus.

• “having been buried with him in baptism, in which you were also raised with him through faith in the powerful working of God, who raised him from the dead.” (Colossians 2:12 ESV)
• “For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God.” (Colossians 3:3 ESV)

But sometimes dead things don't stay dead!

So Paul identifies three categories of the old sinful self that need to be put back in the grave:

1. Unredeemed desires - not all desires are good. Some need to be "put to death," especially those desires that lead us into sin or selfishness. Sometimes we even make idols (little gods) out of our desires.
2. Unredeemed speech - words can make or break relationships. And our words come from deep inside of us (Luke 6:45). So we must deal with anger, wrath, and malice against other people so that it does not come out in relationship-destroying words.
3. Unredeemed social categories - we should not base someone's value or status on a social distinction like race, occupation, salary, or education. Paul indicates that status and value are determined solely by Christ.

For those who are tired or discouraged from the ongoing struggle to put the old sinful self to death, take heart! Your efforts are not in vain. The Lord is renewing you into his image even when you cannot feel it.

• “and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge after the image of its creator.” (Colossians 3:10 ESV)

Sermon Application

Discussion Questions:

1. According to Colossians 2:12 and 3:3, how might we define a Christian? Why is this important for Paul's moral instructions in 3:5 – 11?
2. What are some ways that you can distinguish between a good desire and an unredeemed desire? Give an example of a desire becoming an idol.
3. What is a healthy way to deal with hurt or anger towards another person so that it does not come out in relationship-breaking words?
4. What is the difference between evaluating someone for a job or leadership position in the church and determining someone's value or status based on a social category?

Questions?

Do you have a question about today’s sermon? Email Randy Forrester (

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Bonus Sermon Content

If you would like to learn more about this week's passage, check out this bonus video below! You might want to open your bible to Colossians 3:1-11. Life Group leaders, this is especially for you! https://vimeo.com/1025216122?share=copy