Read Colossians 3: 12-17

I visualize these verses as layers:

• First the inside layer (chosen one, holy & beloved).  Being confident of this inside layer informs all the rest.
• Next my “clothes” of sorts: compassion, kindness, humility, meekness, patience, bearing with one another, forgiveness.
• Lastly, my “coat” of love. Holding everything together is this love that can only come from Him.

Now this might seem silly, but take some time to draw your version of the description above.

Or just sit quietly and visualize it. Picture yourself really soaking into the truth that as a son or daughter of God, you are chosen, holy and beloved. The deep understanding of that changes your behaviors over time and you grow in compassion, kindness, humility, meekness, patience, bearing with and forgiveness. Then a large blanket of love tightly wraps all of this.  You are being conformed into His image.

As Paul asks (twice), spend some time giving thanks to your Father.

Read Colossians 3:1-11

• Because I’ve been raised with Christ (v. 1), according to verses 1-3 what should change in me?
  
• If I am saved “in Christ” why do I need to put off the old self? Aren’t I already new?
  
• How, in practical ways, do you put on the new self? What motivates me to want to make this effort?
  
• Spend a few minutes just sitting and picturing verse 3. I, and you, are hidden inside Christ? What images does that conjure up? What implications for your daily living? How does that make you feel?
  

Read Colossians 2:1-23

• What kind of man do you think Paul is? How is he described/describe himself?
  
• Today, how do “fine sounding arguments” discourage your heart or disrupt your unity? Can you think of an example of this?
  
• Look at the instances of “in Him” throughout this section. What happens because we are “in Him”? 
  
• How does this encourage you to not be judged? (v. 16 therefore…)
  
• Verse 19 reminds me of the vine and branches from John 15 – us holding on as God causes growth. How can you hold on actively today?
  
• Today, what are you thankful for?
  

Spend some time in worship and prayer preparing your heart for gathering together this morning.

Try these songs that reflect back into Colossians and Philippians.

Andrew Peterson: “Is He Worthy?”

Lauren Daigle: “Remember”

Read Colossians 2:1-23 (we will read this chapter two days in a row to give us a chance to soak in what Paul is trying to teach here)

KNOW (what does the text say about God?)
BE (What does the text say about us?)
DO (what is the text calling me to do?)

Take time today to think through those questions from this passage.

KNOW:

BE:

DO:

What pops out for you to pray and meditate on today?

Read Colossians 1:24-29

• What do you think verse 24 means? (Don’t feel sheepish if you want to use a commentary – I will be! It’s just a boggler!)

Yesterday we meditated on being steadfast in the HOPE of the gospel. Today Paul tells us that “Christ in us is the hope of glory.”  This is the mystery!

• Why do you think he frames it as a mystery- what about it appears mysterious?
  
• Who are you laboring to present perfect in Christ? Who has labored on your behalf?
  
• How do you feel prompted to respond to this passage today?
  

Read Colossians 1:21-23

KNOW (what does the text say about God?)
BE (What does the text say about us?)
DO (what is the text calling me to do?)

Take time today to think through those questions from this passage.

KNOW:

BE:

DO:

Spend some time praying and asking the Holy Spirit what it looks like to  firm and not moved from the HOPE held out in the gospel.