Living as a Christian changes our identity, but it doesn't usually happen overnight. Try these three steps if you're struggling.
Talking Points:
- Step #1: Stop looking down for the answers. We try to find our identity in our marriages, our grades, our work, or something else. This will fail every time. Colossians 3:1-4
- Step #2: Put to death your old life without Jesus. We have to want to put to death our sinful nature and our old habits, and we have to actually do something about it. Colossians 3:5-9
- Step #3: Put on your new life with Jesus. Through personal prayer and devotion, meditating on God’s word, worship, small groups, serving, and mentoring, you can “put on” your identity in Jesus daily. Colossians 3:10-11
Discussion:
- Initial reactions to this topic? What jumped out at you?
- Make a list of things that you’ve allowed to define you. How has your view of yourself changed according to these things?
- Read Colossians 3:1-4 and share why you think God wants us to set our sights on God and heaven and not of the things on the earth? How come it is so easy to forget about heaven?
- Make a list of where you think most people go first to get help. Then Read Psalm 121:1-2 and share where the psalmist thinks we need to go and why.
- Read Colossians 3:5-9 and share from this list why it is so difficult to stop these actions.
- Share what you think about this quote by John Owens, “Be killing sin or sin will be killing you.”
- Consider the 10 sinful responses to sin. Which one best describes your typical response to sin, and why?
- Read Colossians 3:10. By putting on your new identity in Christ, you also put on his new power and presence in your life. Why do you think this is so important for the Christian? In what areas of your life have you seen change since placing your trust in Jesus? What areas still need to be “put to death”?
- Is there a step you need to take based on today’s topic?
