Session 1

Put away what no longer fits you

From NewSpring at Home: A Study on Colossians

Scripture

“Put to death therefore what is earthly in you: sexual immorality, impurity, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry. On account of these the wrath of God is coming. In these you too once walked, when you were living in them. But now you must put them all away: anger, wrath, malice, slander, and obscene talk from your mouth.” - Colossians 3:5-8 

Observation

Angry, slanderous, lustful, jealous, obscene — this is who we used to be, not who are we now. Paul has strong words to describe what to do with these old ways of living: "Put to death ... put them all away ... put off the old self.” 

Before Jesus, we lived to satisfy physical cravings and sin. But then we were made alive in Christ! We became new creations, and with that comes a new way of living. 

The same way a butterfly no longer acts like a caterpillar, we have been transformed. Our old ways of living no longer suit our new life in Christ. Paul’s challenge to put our old ways to death is more than a call to morality; it’s a call to live out a new identity. 

Application

• What do you need to put away or put to death from who you were before Jesus? Would you be vulnerable and share that with someone today?
• How does your life look different now than when first started following Jesus? 
• What are you thankful to have left behind in your old life before Jesus?

Prayer

Father, thank you for your Word. Thank you for making me a new creation and a co-heir with Christ. Thank you that I get to put to death my old way of living, and experience a Spirit-filled life with You. Help me to see if there is anything I still need to release. Thank you for sending your Son so I can live life to the full.