THE SCHOOL OF SANCTIFICATION
Colossians 3:1-17
1 Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. 2 Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. 3 For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God. 4 When Christ, who is your life, appears, then you also will appear with him in glory. 5 Put to death, therefore, whatever belongs to your earthly nature: sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires, and greed, which is idolatry. 6 Because of these, the wrath of God is coming. 7 You used to walk in these ways, in the life you once lived. 8 But now you must also rid yourselves of all such things as these: anger, rage, malice, slander, and filthy language from your lips. 9 Do not lie to each other, since you have taken off your old self with its practices 10 and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge in the image of its Creator. 11 Here there is no Gentile or Jew, circumcised or uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave or free, but Christ is all, and is in all. 12 Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. 13 Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. 14 And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity. 15 Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. 16 Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts. 17 And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.
Discover It
As Christians, we are called to a lifelong journey of sanctification—becoming more like Christ in our thoughts, actions, and character. In many ways, it's like attending a school where Jesus is our teacher, and the Bible is our textbook. Colossians 3:1-17 gives us a powerful lesson plan on how to live a life that reflects our new identity in Christ.
Ask It
1. In verses 1-4, what does it mean to "set your minds on things above"? How can we do this in our daily lives?
2. In verses 5-9, Paul tells us to put to death certain behaviors. Which of these do you find most challenging to let go of, and why?
3. In verses 10-14, what qualities does Paul encourage us to "put on"? How can we practice these qualities at home, school, or work?
4. In verses 15-17, how does peace rule in our hearts when we let the word of Christ dwell in us richly? How can our family grow in letting Christ’s peace guide our relationships?
Live It
The "School of Sanctification" is a daily process. Just like students learn step by step, we grow in our faith by continually renewing our minds and hearts. This week, choose one specific area from Colossians 3 that you want to focus on as a family. Maybe it's being more forgiving, patient, or kind. Make a plan to encourage each other in this area throughout the week. Write it down, pray about it, and check in with one another at the end of the week to see how you’ve grown.
Pray It
Heavenly Father, thank You for teaching us how to live as Your chosen people. Help us to set our minds on things above and to grow in our sanctification day by day. Give us the strength to put off our old selves and to clothe ourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. May Your peace rule in our hearts, and may Your word dwell richly within us. Guide us as we strive to become more like Jesus in everything we do. In Jesus' name, we pray, Amen.
Comments