Bible Studies

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The Letters
Colossians 3:1-4 - Seeking the Ways of Christ
Key Verses: (MSG)

• 1: "So if you're serious about living this new resurrection life with Christ, act like it. Pursue the things over which Christ presides." - Seek first the kingdom of heaven.
  
  
• 2: "Don't shuffle along, eyes to the ground, absorbed with the things right in front of you. Look up, and be alert to what is going on around Christ--that's where the action is. See things from His perspective." - "The more we see the life around us as God sees it, the more we live in harmony with Him.¹"
  
  
• 3: "Your old life is dead. Your new life, which is your real life--even though invisible to spectators--is with Christ in God. He is your life." - Forget your past, for God has. Instead, live each day filled with the new life He has made available to you in Christ.
  

Points to Contemplate:

• What are you seeking in life? What are your passions and greatest desires? Is your focus totally on earthly pursuits – achievement, recognition, and prestige? Or are you focused on "the things that are above, where Christ is?" How does a focus on Christ help you in this life here on earth? Does it provide you with a clear pathway and reachable goals? Does it help by putting your life's challenges, frustrations, and worries into perspective? When you are focusing on Christ, do you find that all other aspects of your life fall into place?
  
  
• Are you absorbed with "the things right in front of you?" Do you get caught up with the challenges and ordeals of daily living? If you were to look at your life in Christ's perspective, what new things would you discover? Would you be able to see the value in loving your neighbor instead of focusing on the speck in their eyes? Would you be able to set aside your worry and anxiety over money and health matters? Could you become more of a peacemaker in your life? Would you be more likely to reach out to the poor in spirit with the love of Christ that is available to all?
  
  
• Are you born again? Do you recognize that your life with Christ begins anew each day? Are you able to accept Christ's forgiveness for your past transgressions and move forward, refreshed and renewed? How might your life change if you were to fully accept the idea that Christ is your life - your entire life? Would joy come more readily? Would peace fill your heart? Would you be more loving? Would you be filled with hope?
  

Promises of the Gospel:

Paul recognizes that our lives as Christians are filled with challenges. As we live out our lives, our tendency towards sin and earthly pursuits threatens to overwhelm and divert our attention from God. And yet, our salvation and eternal life "is hidden with Christ in God." It is safe and secure. Paul suggests that the more we are able to turn our focus towards heaven, seeking only "things that are above, where Christ is," the better we will stay on our pathway to holiness. Through Christ we are being transformed into His image. We are being renewed and remade into Christ. This is a promise that came into our hearts at the time of our baptism. It can be no other way. With the Spirit of Christ, who is God living within us, our destination is guaranteed.

¹"Life Application Bible - NRSV," Published by World Publisher Inc, notes on verses 1,2 pp. 2097.

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