Freedom In Christ!

Colossians 2:16-3:4

Big Idea: In Christ we have freedom to live for Christ!

In this world, everything competes for prominence in our lives but nothing can adequately replace the centrality of Christ in our lives. Christianity isn't about following man-made rules; it is instead about establishing a profound relationship with Jesus Christ.

To keep Christ at the center of your life:

Colossians 2:16-17 (ESV) Therefore let no one pass judgment on you in questions of food and drink, or with regard to a festival or a new moon or a Sabbath. 17 These are a shadow of the things to come, but the substance belongs to Christ.

Colossians 2:18-19 (ESV) let no one disqualify you, insisting on asceticism [false humility] and worship of angels, going on in detail about visions, puffed up without reason by his sensuous mind, 19 and not holding fast to the Head, from whom the whole body, nourished and knit together through its joints and ligaments, grows with a growth that is from God.

Colossians 2:20-23 (ESV) If with Christ you died to the elemental spirits of the world, why, as if you were still alive in the world, do you submit to regulations— 21 “Do not handle, Do not taste, Do not touch” 22 (referring to things that all perish as they are used)—according to human precepts and teachings? 23 These have indeed an appearance of wisdom in promoting self-made religion and asceticism and severity to the body, but they are of no value in stopping the indulgence of the flesh.

Colossians 3:1 (ESV) If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God.

Colossians 3:2 (ESV) Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth.

Colossians 3:3–4 (ESV) For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. When Christ who is your life appears, then you also will appear with him in glory.

Verde Discussion Questions

Break It Out:

1. What initially grabs your attention in this text? What questions or thoughts arise as you reflect on what it’s saying?

Talk It Out:

2. How does our freedom in Christ free us from the trap of legalism?

3. How does our freedom in Christ free us from the disqualification of mysticism?

4. How does our freedom in Christ free us from the pride of asceticism?

5. How should being raised with Christ alter the course of our pursuits?

6. How should being raised with Christ transform our thinking?

7. How does being raised with Christ redefine our life's purpose?

8. How should this passage motivate us to live with evangelistic passion in light of our future hope?

Work It Out:

9. What is God asking you to do to walk out the truths of this teaching?

10. How can your growth group pray for you?