8:30PM PST OPTIONAL, CO-ED: BIBLE STUDY, POTLUCK, FILM: HOW COLOSSIANS 3 REDEFINES ACCOUNTABILITY
BIBLE STUDY
In Colossians 3, Paul provides a rich and practical guide to living as followers of Christ. This chapter serves as both a call to know our identity in Jesus and an invitation to embody it in every area of life. Through these verses, we’ll explore the transformation, intentionality, and renewal that come from setting our hearts on things above.
Read Colossians 3:1-4
Paul begins by urging believers to “set your hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God” (v. 1). The phrase points us toward a perspective rooted in heaven, not just on the challenges or desires we face day-to-day. He also speaks of our lives being "hidden with Christ in God" (v. 3), a profound statement of how deeply secure and intertwined we are with Jesus. This passage beckons us to ask, where are we truly finding our sense of identity?
Read Colossians 3:5-11
The next section challenges us to confront sin head-on. Paul writes with conviction, saying, “Put to death, therefore, whatever belongs to your earthly nature” (v. 5). He identifies specific patterns such as sexual immorality, greed, and anger, reminding us that these behaviors don’t align with a life renewed in Christ. Verse 10 introduces the powerful idea that we "put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge in the image of its Creator." This renewal isn’t a one-time moment but an ongoing process of transformation, shaped by God’s truth.
Read Colossians 3:12-14
Paul moves from calling out sin to encouraging us toward virtues that reflect Jesus. Here, he lists qualities like compassion, kindness, humility, and patience—attributes that strengthen relationships and reflect the heart of Christ. Verse 14 ties it all together, declaring, “Over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.” Love becomes the cohesive force that allows all these qualities to flourish, fostering a community reflective of God’s kingdom.
Read Colossians 3:15-17
These verses bring the focus to Christian maturity in daily living. The call to “let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts” (v. 15) emphasizes how peace isn’t just a feeling; it’s an active authority that shapes our decisions and interactions. Furthermore, Paul highlights gratitude in verse 17, instructing us to give thanks to God in all we do through Jesus. This posture of thankfulness fuels our ability to live a life that glorifies Him and invites others to see His goodness.
Read Colossians 3:18-24
This section shifts into practical applications for relationships, drawing attention to how our faith guides interactions within families and work. The passage doesn’t merely provide a list of rules but frames these instructions in the context of serving and honoring Christ above all. Verse 23 reminds us, “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters." It’s a reminder that even the mundane holds eternal value when done for God.
Closing Thoughts
Colossians 3 challenges us to live out our faith in visible and meaningful ways, calling us to align our hearts with heavenly realities while letting those priorities shape our earthly actions. It’s a call to renewal, love, and practical obedience—all anchored in the secure identity we have with Christ.
Discussion Questions and Instructions
Instructions: For each question, take one paragraph of notes, reflecting on how the scripture resonates with your own life and what God may be teaching you.
What does it mean to you to “set your hearts on things above”? (v. 1)
How does viewing your life as “hidden with Christ in God” change how you see yourself? (v. 3)
Which earthly desires or behaviors in verse 5 do you feel most convicted to confront in your life?
How have you experienced God renewing you “in knowledge in the image of its Creator"? (v. 10)
What does “putting on love” (v. 14) look like in the context of your relationships?
How can letting Christ’s peace rule in your heart (v. 15) transform moments of conflict or stress?
What are some ways you can cultivate gratitude in your daily routine? (v. 17)
How does working “as for the Lord” (v. 23) change your perspective on work or studies?
What connection do you see between putting to death sin and being able to fully “clothe yourself” in virtues like kindness and humility? (v. 5-12)
Do you find struggles when seeking unity within your community of faith? How can verse 14 help address this?
How does the practice of forgiveness in relationships reflect your relationship with God? (v. 13)
Have you experienced moments where letting the Word of Christ dwell in you richly (v. 16) shaped your actions? Share one example.
What role does worship and gratitude play in maintaining focus on heavenly things? (v. 16-17)
Reflect on a relationship in your life where you’ve seen love bind everything together in unity (v. 14).
How does the advice Paul gives to families demonstrate servanthood to Christ? (v. 18-21)
Where do you see opportunities to deepen your relationships with others through kindness or humility? (v. 12)
What steps can you take to consistently “put to death” attitudes or actions that don’t align with Christ? (v. 5-9)
How does recognizing everyone is equal “in Christ” (v. 11) shape the way you interact with others?
What difference does it make to view ordinary, repetitive work as worship “for the Lord”? (v. 23)
Which single verse stands out to you the most from Colossians 3? Why, and how can it shape this week for you?
Take time to reflect deeply and allow each question to guide you closer to Christ’s heart, gaining fresh insight into being firmly rooted in Him.
After our Bible study, we’ll settle in for a potluck dinner and a viewing of the Netflix documentary Fyre. This captivating film chronicles the rise and chaotic downfall of the infamous Fyre Festival, hailed as the ultimate luxury music event but remembered instead as a catastrophic scam. Spearheaded by entrepreneur Billy McFarland and heavily promoted by social media influencers, Fyre Festival promised private island paradise, world-class entertainment, and gourmet meals. Instead, attendees arrived to find disaster relief tents, lack of basic provisions, and none of the promised headliners. The documentary unveils the scale of the fraud, organizational failings, and the impact on both attendees and workers behind the scenes.
Potluck or Takeout Exotic Foods
To keep in spirit with the “luxury gone wrong” theme, here are some creative exotic food ideas to bring or order in:
Sushi platters or poke bowls
Caribbean jerk chicken or grilled plantains
Greek spanakopita or gyros
Indian curry samosas or naan with dips
Peruvian ceviche or lomo saltado
Middle Eastern falafel wraps or tabbouleh
Thai curry or spring rolls
10 Group Questions for Discussion After the Movie
What was most shocking to you about the Fyre Festival’s downfall?
How do you think social media contributed to the frenzy and eventual deception?
What lessons can we learn about trusting influencers or promotional material online?
What would you have done differently if you were part of the Fyre Festival planning team?
How does this film reveal the dangers of ignoring voices sounding warnings for the sake of success or profit?
What impact did the festival have on the local Bahamian workers, and how does that shape how we think about fair treatment in business ventures?
Do you think the festival organizers recognized the magnitude of the harm they caused? Why or why not?
What parallels, if any, can you draw between this story and understanding the importance of integrity in leadership?
How does the pursuit of luxury or status play into our society, and how should Christians approach this issue?
What would restoration or justice look like for those affected by the Fyre Festival fiasco?
Feel free to reflect deeply and share openly—there’s a lot to unpack about human motivations, accountability, and lessons from failure.