Theme

Our lives are caught up with the life of God (hid with Christ in God)

Questions

• What do you think it means to set your hearts and minds on things above (v.1-2)? Why hearts and minds?
• V.3 says that our lives are hidden with Christ in God (by hidden it means that life is completely contained in God). How should this reality affect the choices we make as we live our lives (look at the whole context, v.1-4)?
• Paul says there are actions which need to be ‘put to death’ in our lives. Why do you think he use such strong words?
• Look at the list of behaviours to be ‘put to death’ in v.5.
  • Why do you think there is such a strong focus on sexual sins?
  • Does greed seem out of place in the list? Why/why not?
  • Do you think this list is only about physical behaviour, or do our actions have spiritual effects?
• Look at the list of traits which Paul says should be ‘put away’ (v.8-10). They reflect the words and actions we use in relation to one another.
  • In what ways do our words reflect what’s in our hearts (see Luke 6:45)?
  • How does this list reflect words we use to one another as well as words we use about one another?
  • How challenging do you find this list? Why?
• How do the behaviours in v.5 & v.8-10 affect more than just the individual; how can they affect on-to-one relationships as well as relationships in a wider group?
• V.12 describes who we are both in relation to God and in relation to the world.
  • In relation to God we are ‘dearly loved’. How does knowing that you are dearly loved by God affect the ways you live your life?
  • In relation to the world we are called to be ‘holy’, or ‘set apart’. How should holiness be lived out (see also 1 Peter 1:13-16 & 1 Peter 2:9-12)?
• Why do you think Paul uses the idea of clothing yourself in v.12 to describe how to handle the life-virtues he lists?
• Look at the virtues Paul lists in v.12-14. Which one(s) do you find most difficult or challenging? Why?

• Paul mentions putting to death (v.5), putting away, or putting off (v.8) and putting on, or clothing yourself (v.12). How do these instructions encourage you to take responsibility for the behaviours in your life?

• In Christ I Live my Life is the theme for this week. How did this passage help you think about the character of your life lived in Christ? Did you learn something new, or were you challenged by something in particular?