Summary
What does it actually look like to live out what we say we believe? In this deep dive into Colossians 3, we move from theology into territory that feels personal, because it is. Paul does not let us keep our lives neatly divided into separate compartments, with faith tucked safely into one section while everything else stays untouched. Instead, he calls us to let Christ have full access, every room, every corner, every hidden area. The passage presents a striking picture of two lists, one of things to put to death and one of things to put away, using the vivid language of clothing to make the point: if we call ourselves followers of Christ, we should look like it. The spiritual insight here is not just about avoiding bad behavior. It is about tracing sin back to its roots. Distorted desires do not begin with an outward act. They begin with a quiet internal longing that, left unchecked, grows into something far more destructive. The same is true for distorted emotions. Anger begins as a gap between what we want and what is real, and if we do not bring that to God, it travels a well-worn road toward wrath, malice, and words that tear down people made in the image of God. This message challenges us to stop managing sin at the surface level and start doing the deeper heart work that only comes through surrender to Christ.
Key Scripture – Colossians 3:5-17
Discussion Questions
- Andy used the image of a compartmentalized cafeteria tray to describe how people often organize their lives. Is there any compartment in your life that you tend to keep Jesus out of? If so, what do you think that is about?
- Have you ever left a church service feeling bothered versus feeling genuinely broken? What was the difference, and what came of each experience?
Digging In: Distorted Desires (Colossians 3:5-7)
- Paul tells believers to “put to death” what belongs to their earthly nature. What does “unplugging” actually look like in a practical sense for the temptations you face?
- Andy walked through the regression from greed or coveting all the way to sexual immorality, showing how external sin begins with internal desire. Looking at that progression, where do you think most people try to address the problem? Where does Paul say it must be addressed?
- The question “how far is too far?” is the wrong question, Paul’s answer would be to watch the desire itself. How does that reframe the way you think about boundaries in your own life?
Digging In: Distorted Emotions (Colossians 3:8-11)
- Anger was defined as the gap between what we want to happen and what actually happens. Using that definition, what are the most common sources of agitation in your daily life right now?
- Paul lists slander and filthy language as the external fruit of unchecked anger. It was stated that tearing someone down with words is particularly offensive to God because that person bears the image of God. How does that perspective change the way you think about gossip or venting about someone?
- In Romans 7:19, Paul confesses that he does what he does not want to do and fails to do what he knows he should. How does Paul’s transparency in that passage encourage you in your own struggle with sin?
Digging In: Putting On Right Relationships (Colossians 3:12-16)
- Before listing the virtues believers should put on, Paul reminds them they are chosen, holy, and dearly loved. Why do you think Paul anchors the call to right behavior in identity before giving commands? How does knowing you are chosen and dearly loved change the way you approach obedience?
- Andy made the point that the antidote to distorted desires and distorted emotions is not healthier desires or better emotional regulation. It is walking in right relationship with others. Do you find that surprising? Why or why not?
- Paul says in verse 14 that love is the perfect bond of unity, describing it as what covers everything else. In your relationships right now, where is love most needed as a covering? What is making that difficult?
- A right relationship with God is expressed through our right relationship with others, and that the two cannot be separated. Where do you see that connection playing out, or breaking down, in your own life?
Scripture Reference
- Colossians 1 (general reference to beliefs/theology section)
- Colossians 2 (general reference to beliefs/theology section)
- Colossians 3:5-17 (the primary passage of the sermon)
- Romans 7:19-25 (Paul’s struggle with his two natures, quoted at length)
- Proverbs 4:23 (guard your heart above all else, for it is the wellspring of life)
- Matthew 22:37-39 (love God with all your being; love your neighbor as yourself, referenced as “the greatest command”)