The New Self
* The believer has been united with Christ through faith. Thus the believer has "died" with Christ (Colossians 3:3a) and been "raised with Christ" to a new life (3:1a; 2:12-13).

* Paul contrasts the believer's old life with the new life (3:7). He says, "you have taken off your old self…and have put on the new self" (3:9-10). The believer has a new identity "in Christ".

Putting Off the Old
* Since the believer has a new position in Christ, he/she needs to "put off" old, bad attitudes and actions (Colossians 3:5-11). This was the subject of "The New You, Part One" (Lesson 7).

Putting On the New
q After telling believers what to "put off" (3:5-11), Paul tells them what to "put on" (3:12-17). He continues to use the language of changing clothing. Read Colossians 3:12-17.

1. In verses 12 and 14, what does Paul tell believers to put on?

* These attitudes are characteristic of Jesus Christ. Thus the words "clothe yourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ" (Romans 13:14) make a similar point. Though Paul is using a clothing metaphor, he is not talking about mere outward appearance. True change occurs in the heart, and only God can transform the heart.

2. Verse 13 tells us how to put these attitudes into action. What must believers do? Why should they do it? How can they do it?

¶ "Forgive as the Lord forgave you" (3:13).

New Life in the Body
* Paul gives instructions about life in the "body" - that is, the body of Christ - the church (3:15).
* As Christians, we are members of the body of Christ. Since believers "were called to peace", we must "let the peace of Christ rule in [our] hearts" (3:15). In other words, a genuine attitude of Christ-centered peace should rule in our relationships with one another.
* We must also "let the word of Christ dwell in [us] richly" (3:16). In other words, the word of Christ should "reside" or "makes its home" among us. The "word of Christ" probably refers to the teaching concerning Christ as well as the words of Christ himself.

3. If the word of Christ is dwelling among us, it should be evident in our activities. What particular activities does Paul mention in verse 16?

4. How does the singing of songs in church (or other Christian settings) affect you? How can we get the most out of our singing?

Whatever You Do
* Paul says, "And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him" (Colossians 3:17, NIV).

* A Christian has a new identity in Christ. Thus whatever we say or do, we should "do it the name of Jesus". All of our attitudes and actions should be in harmony with the character of our Lord. We should seek to be "clothed with the Lord Jesus" (Romans 13:14). When faced with a moral issue, we should ask, "What is the Christian thing to do? Can I do it 'in the name of Jesus'?"

Reflection/Application
† Do you desire a new life? Newness of life is found in Christ. Do you need to receive him?

† If you are a true believer, you have already died with Christ, and been raised with Christ. You have a new life! Are your attitudes and actions in harmony with the character of your Lord Jesus Christ? What attitudes and actions do you need to "put off"? What attitudes and actions do you need to "put on"? Review this lesson, and commit to live according to verse 17 by God's grace.