As we move into Part 2 of our “Colossians for Christie” study of Colossians chapter 3, we recall that this section of Colossians provides excellent material and direction for a discipleship study for new believers.
Discipleship is just that~Biblical guidance for a new believer. It answers the questions posed by my “Christie” and new believers everywhere~~ “-Now what?”
Colossians 3:1-4 (picking up on the theology –theory- of salvation taught throughout chapter 2) reviews just what salvation is all about. Believers have been raised with Christ (It is the power of the resurrection that actually allows for salvation) and have been hidden (positioned) with Christ. Therefore, believers should now set their hearts and minds on the things of Christ. A change has taken place in the believer’s life, now a change must take place in her lifestyle. That is the first concept that the new believer must understand.
So, new believer, now that you have become a new person in Christ, there are things in your life that must become new as well. As a new person, your attitude, outlook, philosophy, and your actions must become new. A new you means…a new you.
The purpose of verses 5-14 is to provide direction as to what these changes entail in order to develop this new you. Paul provides specific guidelines and commands as to what you must now do to bring about these changes.
Verses 15-17 provide the encouragement and motivation that reminds you of the resources you have in Christ so that you CAN make those changes and become the new you.
The lessons of verses 1-17 are not gender/age/status/culture specific (see verse 8) and can be used in discipleship for both male and female. However, since Paul used the word picture of putting off and putting on, I have written this with a closet/wardrobe/accessory theme. Therefore we can say that Part One of “Colossians for Christie” was written as discipleship teaching for adult women who have recently come to Christ as young (older) adults. It was written to encourage these new believers to clean out their old stale and musty 'closets' and start afresh!
However, Chapter 3 is not finished. Paul has not completed his discipleship training for the new Colossian believers just yet.
Verses 5-17 may have been written to encourage all new believers to make those lifestyle changes that come with one’s new life in Christ. However, Paul becomes more specific as he concludes this discipleship section through Colossians 4:6. He emphasizes that there are also changes to be made within the family and in the workplace.
Thus, ladies, we cannot conclude “Colossians for Christie” without taking some time to consider the teaching of 3:18.
There is a lot of controversy and negative connotation in today’s society when it comes to this verse. However, I think if we take the time to look into what submission REALLY means and determine what it DOESN’T mean, we can allow this section to become part of the ‘new you’ as well.
I have already done a lot of study on this topic, and I am excited to share what I have discovered. Ladies, I guarantee you, although it may seem difficult to grasp, it will be exciting!
Hang on!
(Entries from Part One can be seen in the archives section.)
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