The document provides an overview and discussion of Colossians 3:1-11 from a weekly Bible study class. It summarizes the key points of the passage, including that Christians should seek heavenly things rather than earthly desires, consider their sinful nature as dead, and practice their new identity in Christ by becoming more like Him. The purpose of the Christian life is to love God fully, and believers are motivated to live for Him through their faith in His power and goodness.

1. Riverway ClassWeek #6Colossians 3:1—11Instructor: Ernie Zarra

2. Last Week’s Text2:6—2:23

3. There Are Two Types “In Christ”The Dead in Christ (1 Thessalonians 4:16-18)The Alive in Christ(Colossians 2:6-7)

4. Those Alive in Christ (2:6-7)Are firmly rootedHave received the faithKeep on walkingIn a state of continually being built up in HimAre establishedHave been instructedOverflow with gratitude

5. Is Christ Sufficient? What does it mean when Paul says Christ is all-sufficient?Is He sufficient for us today? (2 Corinthians 12:7-10)

6. Christ Is All You Need (2:8-15)Warning Against False Philosophies (2:8)

7. False Teachings in the Church at Colossae

8. Gnosticism

9. Dualism

10. Mystery Cults

11. Paganism

12. Asceticism

13. Jewish Mysticism

14. SyncretismFullness of the Godhead Is In Christ (2:9)The fullness of God exists continually in Christ.

15. The Word was made flesh and dwelt among us.

16. Jesus was the God the Son before His incarnation.We Are Made Complete in Christ (2:10)Christ is not merely a divine essence imparted to us.We are not little “gods.”Angels, rituals, and pagan philosophies pale in significance to His fullness.The new birth allows us to partake of God’s divine nature without us being deity.

17. Warning Against Judaistic Ceremonialism (2:11)Outward signs are not necessarily indicators of inward changes.The new birth is the “Christian circumcision.”Spiritual circumcision is in Christ

18. Baptism and Circumcisionin Christ (2:12-13)Baptism is like circumcision, in that they are both symbols of changes brought about by Christ.

19. Baptism symbolizes the death, burial, and resurrection of Christ.

20. To be uncircumcised in Spirit, is to be dead in trespasses and sin.

21. Paul’s message to the Colossians is that the false teachings distort the finished work of Christ.Our Debt Is Cancelled (2:14)Our debt is now “wiped away.”

22. William Barclay suggests the ancient documents were written on papyrus or vellum and the ancient ink had no acid in it. Therefore, it did not bite into the surface of the writing material. When the scribe needed to erase the writing on the surface he took a sponge and wiped the writing off. It was on the surface of the paper and therefore not permanent. “The ink could be wiped out as if it had never been.” We Are Free From Gnosticism (2:16-17)Gnosticism or its influences adds no advantages for the Christian.Christ is sufficiency and no heresy can measure up to the person and work of Christ.

23. Paul’s Final Warnings (2:18-23)Worshipping angels over Christ debases Christ.Asceticism is an indulging in the flesh.Exercise caution because practices that have the appearance of wisdom may be based in the flesh.

24. This Week’s Text3:1—11

25. Introductory Questions1. What is thepurposeof the Christian?

26. 2. Whatmotivatesthe Christian to live a life pleasing to God?

27. 3. Describe the attitude of the average believer.

28. 4. In what ways does a balanced attitude bring glory to God?

29. 5. Ever been served by someone whom you were sure did not like being a “server”? Purpose of the Christian Life“Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.” (Mark 12:30)

30. MotivationIf you have faith as a grain of mustard seed, you will say to your mountain, "MOVE!" and it WILL move... and NOTHING will be impossible for YOU! - Matthew 17:20

31. If you can believe, all things are possible to him who believeth. - Mark 9:23

32. With God all things are possible. - Matthew 19:26

33. And I am sure that he who began a good work in you will complete it. - Philippians 1:6A Balanced AttitudePhilippians 2:1-7

34. Overview of Chapter 3:1-11Basics for Living in ChristChrist is all-sufficientPractical advice on living in ChristAssurance of living in Christ

35. Paul’s Admonitions (Colossians 3:1-4)Seek the heavenly thingsThe things which are sought (Philippians 4:8)Adhering to ScriptureOur reality in Christ

36. Consider As Dead (Colossians 3:5-9)Sensual sinsSocial/Relational Practices

38. Practicing the New Self (Colossians 3:10-11)Christ is sufficient and in all believers

39. We are being renewed, according to the image of Christ (Romans 8:29)

40. We are becoming more like Christ, instead of chasing after things of the flesh