
Colossians (Part 12): The Battle Within
Put to death your earthly nature (Col. 3:5-7)
- Earthly desires exist in us
- Make no provision for the flesh (Rom. 13:14)
- Putting to death is continual
The Root Sin is Idolatry (Col. 3:5)
- Idolatry is the sin underneath other sins - what you actually love and serve
Put away relational sins (Col. 3:8)
- Put away - Get rid of the chain around your feet
- These sins move from a slow boil of resentment into full blown rage
- “Don’t let your Christian joy be robbed by somebody else’s sins.”
- Forgive as God in Christ forgave you
Our New Identity Enables Us To Fight Sin and Win (Col. 3:9-1, 1:22)
He is putting the new self on you as you are being renewed in the knowledge of your Creator
“Run John, run, the Law demands, but gives me neither feet nor hands: Better news the Gospel brings, It bids me fly and gives me wings.” - Paul Bunyan
Small Group Discussion Questions:
Ice Breaker: Share a time when you tried to change a habit but found it difficult. What made it challenging?
In Colossians 3:5, Paul urges believers to “put to death” their earthly nature. What do you think it means to “put to death” these sinful desires, and how can we practically do this in our daily lives? (See also: Romans 13:14)
Colossians 3:5 says that the sin of greed (or covetousness) is actually rooted in idolatry, where we worship something other than God. What are some potential idols in your life that lead to other sins, and how can you identify and remove them?
In Colossians 3:8-9 Paul talks about various relational sins surrounding anger and resentment. Pastor Josh talked about how these sins can start small in the heart, and over time grow, becoming worse and worse. How have you seen this happen in your life or the lives of others?
Is there someone you need to forgive or ask forgiveness from?
Read Colossians 3:9-11. How does embracing our identity in Christ - putting off the old self, putting on the new self, and being renewed in knowledge - help us to battle against sin?
The sermon highlighted the importance of continual action in battling sin, like pulling weeds from a garden. What are some practical steps you can take this week to address specific sins or negative patterns in your life?