1.

Read vs. 1-2.  What does Paul mean by: 1) “you have been raised with Christ” (cf. 2:11-12; Gal 2:20); 2) “set your hearts” (or minds); 3) “things above” (Heb 11:3; Mark 8:33); and 4) “Christ is seated at the right hand of God” (Job 40:4; Psalm 60:5, 118:16)?  What difference does it make for one to set one’s heart and mind on one thing or another? (Luke 6:45; Mark 8:33)

2. 

Read vs. 3-4.  This passage describes the past, present, and future life of believers in Christ.  What do the following statements teach about our life in the Lord: 1) “For you died”; 2) “your life is now hidden with Christ”; and 3) “When Christ, who is your life, appears, then you also will appear with Him in glory”?    

3. 

Read vs. 6-7.  How can you “put to death” whatever belongs to the earthly nature? (Romans 8:13)   Consider the way Paul describes “sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires, and greed”, together with “therefore” and “the wrath of God is coming.”  How does this observation motivate us to put them to death?

4.

Read vs. 8-11. This passage says that the new self which comes from the Lord is being renewed in “knowledge.”  What does this passage suggest about the man who keeps walking in the ways of the old self?  (Col 1:10; 2Pe 3:18; Gen 6:3,6; Eph 4:30)

5.

Read vs. 12-14 and describe the seven virtues Paul exhorts us to pursue.  What do the expressions “clothe yourself” and “put on” suggest about the benefit these virtues might have?

6. 

Read vs. 15-16.  What does this teach us about the way Christ’s body is built up?

7.

Read v. 17.  What does it mean to do everything “in the name of the Lord”?