NASHVILLE (BP) — This weekly Bible study appears in Baptist Press in a partnership with LifeWay Christian Resources of the Southern Baptist Convention. Through its Leadership and Adult Publishing team, LifeWay publishes Sunday School curricula and additional resources for all age groups.
This week’s Bible study is adapted from the YOU curriculum.
Bible Passage: Colossians 3:1-10
Discussion Questions:
— What challenges your understanding of the Gospel of Christ? Where — or to whom — do you turn when you want to know God’s truth?
— How has Christ changed your life? How is this change reflected daily in your lifestyle? What improvements could you make?
Food for Thought:
In 2013, the United Negro College Fund updated its popular slogan, “A mind is a terrible thing to waste,” and added, “but a wonderful thing to invest in.” They’re right; college offers us a great start in life. But, our spiritual growth is more important.
In Colossians 3, the false teachers at Colossae were wreaking havoc to the Gospel message and Paul was compelled to write this letter to the church to proclaim the truth. He instructed Colossian believers to deliberately focus their minds on Christ (Colossians 3:1-2). Fixing their minds on Him, the Colossians could interact with the world from a godly stance — one that could not be duped by philosophies created by humankind.
Paul knew godly thoughts were crucial to holy living. When we spiritually starve our minds, we do a terrible disservice to ourselves. Now that’s a waste!
Paul’s instruction to the Colossians is still valid for believers today. Christians are set apart for God’s special purposes. Sadly though, some of us have hung out with the world so long that it’s hard to distinguish believer from nonbeliever. We’ve relaxed our standards for holy living. But, there’s hope. When believers cooperate with the indwelling Holy Spirit, and choose to use our minds, bodies, speech, and actions to glorify God, we become more like Christ. Holy living has everything to do with the mind. When we navigate life with our minds focused on Christ, we are better equipped to stay on the right path. Holy minds lead to holy living.
Holy living is a challenge, but when we choose Christ and his pattern for life, we won’t have regrets. Do you dare to be different? Ask the Lord to lift your focus beyond what’s in front of you and to focus your mind on living a holy life.
YOU
Intentionally focused on urban and multicultural believers, YOU is biblically based with culturally relevant and affirming lessons to help people connect, grow, serve, and ultimately be engaged in impacting the world for Christ. This flexible, non-dated all-in-one quarterly resource offers weekly Bible study for leaders and learners, devotionals, and teaching plans, as well as articles on hot topics and missions. For additional online downloadable teaching resources, visit LifeWay.com/YOU.
Other ongoing Bible study options offered by LifeWay for all ages can be found at LifeWay.com/SundaySchool or ordered at LifeWay Christian Stores.
