Week 6 - Fall Focus 2023
Reminder: At the start of each meeting, set the time when you will suspend the Bible study discussion (you do not have to discuss every question) so that you have sufficient time to share requests and pray for one another.
OPENING
What are some of the roles you have in life that define you in a significant way?
—
It seems like Paul’s extended discussion of our Identity in Christ does not do away with the roles we play in the world and in society, but it does modify these roles. As a result, he offers instructions for people in specific roles who might hear his book.
—
READ COLOSSIANS 3:12-4:1
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.
Instructions for Christian Households
18 Wives, submit yourselves to your husbands, as is fitting in the Lord.
19 Husbands, love your wives and do not be harsh with them.
20 Children, obey your parents in everything, for this pleases the Lord.
21 Fathers, do not embitter your children, or they will become discouraged.
22 Slaves, obey your earthly masters in everything; and do it, not only when their eye is on you and to curry their favor, but with sincerity of heart and reverence for the Lord. 23 Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, 24 since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving. 25 Anyone who does wrong will be repaid for their wrongs, and there is no favoritism.
1 Masters, provide your slaves with what is right and fair, because you know that you also have a Master in heaven.
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
In verses 12-14, Paul gives instructions for all those who accept this Identity in Christ and how they should live it out, regardless of their earthly role.
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.
What strikes you about this list in verses 12-14?
How do you think these virtues are connected to our experience of Christ?
Work through each of these virtues. Can you think of ways these virtues naturally follow from our experience of God’s grace?
For example: How might the compassion of Christ make us more compassionate? How might being loved by Christ help us love? How might being forgiven by Christ help us forgive?
If you Identify as one of God’s Chosen people, holy and dearly loved, how might it affect your mindset when you find yourself in a prestigious, important or powerful role?
How might it affect your mindset when you find yourself in a difficult, demanding or powerless role?
Note these are not dispositions that spontaneously happen, they are things we need to intentionally “Put on” as you put on your coat before stepping outside on a cold day
What do you think are ways we can put on these qualities?
How is the counsel to husbands and wives clarified by our identity as God’s Chosen people?
How are the instructions to masters modified by this Identity?
Note: Last week, we discussed Gospel Identity and slavery in light of the book of Philemon. If you missed it, ask the leader for the notes!
Read Colossians 3:22-25 -
22 Slaves, obey your earthly masters in everything; and do it, not only when their eye is on you and to curry their favor, but with sincerity of heart and reverence for the Lord. 23 Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, 24 since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving. 25 Anyone who does wrong will be repaid for their wrongs, and there is no favoritism.
8. How might these instructions change the mindset of anyone holding a job that they feel trapped in or don’t particularly like?
Read Colossians 4:1 -
1 Masters, provide your slaves with what is right and fair, because you know that you also have a Master in heaven.
9. How does this verse guide those in power about how they exercise their power?