Reflection & Application – Colossians 3
Laying the Foundation: A New Life in Christ
Colossians 3 has given us a powerful vision of what it means to live as followers of Jesus. Paul moves from theology to practical application, showing us how our identity in Christ should change our mindset, character, relationships, and daily work.
Today is a reflection day which is a time to pause, examine our hearts, and apply what we’ve learned.
Let’s look back at the key lessons from this chapter and consider how we can live them out.
Recap: Key Themes from Colossians 3
1️⃣ Set Your Mind on Things Above (Col. 3:1-4)
✅ Your identity is in Christ, not the world.
✅ You have died to your old life and have been raised with Christ.
✅ Your focus should be on eternal things, not temporary distractions.
➡️ Reflection:
Are your thoughts and priorities shaped by eternity or by the world?
How can you keep your mind focused on Christ daily?
2️⃣ Put Off the Old Self (Col. 3:5-11)
✅ Sin is not something to manage—it must be put to death.
✅ Get rid of sexual sin, greed, anger, and dishonesty.
✅ Your old identity no longer defines you—Christ does.
➡️ Reflection:
Are there sins or attitudes you need to remove from your life?
Do you see yourself first and foremost as a new creation in Christ?
3️⃣ Put On the Character of Christ (Col. 3:12-14)
✅ As God’s chosen, holy, and beloved people, we must reflect Christ.
✅ Put on compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience.
✅ Forgive others as Christ has forgiven you.
✅ Love is the glue that holds everything together.
➡️ Reflection:
Which of these Christ-like qualities do you need to grow in?
Is there anyone you need to forgive as Christ forgave you?
4️⃣ Christ in the Home (Col. 3:18-21)
✅ Marriage is a picture of Christ’s love and leadership.
✅ Wives submit with honor, and husbands love sacrificially.
✅ Children should obey their parents, and parents should encourage their children.
➡️ Reflection:
How is Christ reflected in your home?
Are you leading, loving, or obeying in a way that honors God?
5️⃣ Work as Worship (Col. 3:22-25)
✅ Your work is ultimately for the Lord, not for people.
✅ Work with integrity, diligence, and excellence.
✅ God sees both faithfulness and wrongdoing. He’s the ultimate Judge.
➡️ Reflection:
Do you see your work as an act of worship?
Are you working with excellence, even when no one is watching?
Personal Reflection: Where is God Challenging You?
Take time to reflect on these questions:
1️⃣ What passage from this chapter impacted you the most? Why?
2️⃣ Where is God calling you to put off the old and put on the new?
3️⃣ Are there areas where your heart and mind are more focused on the world than on Christ?
4️⃣ How can you practically live out your identity in Christ today?
5️⃣ Who can you encourage, forgive, or serve in love this week?
Final Thoughts: Live in Your New Identity
Colossians 3 calls us to actively live out our faith every day.
🏆 Set your mind on Christ. He is your life!
⚔️ Kill sin and stop living in the past.
✨ Put on Christ’s character and reflect Him in all you do.
❤️ Love, forgive, and live in harmony with others.
🙌 Let every part of your life, including your work, glorify God.
What’s Next?
Tomorrow, we begin Colossians 4, where Paul teaches about prayer, wisdom, and living on mission for Christ.
