Book Study · Week 3 of 6

Dead to the Old, Alive to the New

Colossians 2:16-3:4

Freedom in Christ and letting go

Main Point

You were crucified with Christ, died with Him, and were resurrected with Him — your old life of rules and shame has no power over you anymore.

Application Ideas

Identify the rules, shame, or fears that still dominate you even though Christ has already won. Write them down and literally cross them out. This week, practice living as if those things are already dead — because they are.

Discussion Questions

What does it mean to 'die with Christ'? Why does Paul say that regulations about food, drink, and religious festivals are 'a shadow of the things that were to come'? How does resurrection identity change how we live?

Detailed Sermon Outline

Primary Text: Colossians 2:16-3:4

Supporting Texts: Romans 6:1-11; 2 Corinthians 5:17; Galatians 2:19-20

Big Idea: Dead to your old nature and risen in Christ, you must live according to your new identity.

Target Length: 35-40 minutes

Introduction

Paul moves from stop living under false rules to live according to your actual identity. Your conversion has cosmic significance: you died with Christ and rose with Christ.

This is not metaphor—it's mystical reality that transforms how you live.

The main point: Your old life has ended; your new life in Christ has begun. Live accordingly.

I. Dead to the Old Self (Colossians 2:16-23)

Paul addresses false teachers' rules head-on: Do not let anyone judge you regarding food, drink, festivals, or Sabbath days.

These observances were shadows pointing to Christ. Now that He's come, the shadow is fulfilled.
False teachers offer advancement through harsh treatment of body and extreme humility. But practices don't cure the human heart.
For you died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. Through Christ's death, your inclination to sin is crucified. You're no longer enslaved to sin.

Freedom comes by death to the old identity. The person enslaved to sin doesn't exist anymore.

II. Alive in Christ Through Resurrection (Colossians 3:1-3)

You have been raised with Christ. This is present reality, not future hope. You've already been raised.

Set your hearts on things above where Christ is. Orient your desires toward Him. See life from Christ's vantage point.
Your true identity is hidden in Christ. It's secure. Not subject to change based on circumstances.
When Christ appears, you also will appear with Him in glory. Your future is guaranteed not because you've earned it, but because your life is in Christ.

You live in already-not-yet reality. Already died and risen (already). Full glory awaits (not yet). Live in light of both.

III. Seek What Is Above (Colossians 3:1-4)

Set your hearts on things above, not on earthly things. Don't live for wealth, status, comfort, approval. These are temporary.

Seek Christ. Seek growth in Him. Seek obedience to His kingdom. Your resources, time, energy should reflect this priority.
You used to be enslaved to anxiety, greed, shame. Now you're free. Why obey those masters?
Living as a resurrected person means new power and new freedom. You're not bound by guilt, fear, or addiction.

You can live toward Christ instead of toward self-preservation.

Conclusion & Appeal

False teachers promised more—more rules, practices, knowledge for spiritual status. Paul: You've already achieved it. Dead and risen with Christ.

Now: How do I live in light of the new life I possess? You're raised from the dead. Live like it.

This week, identify one area where you're still living under the old system. Declare it dead. Declare yourself alive in Christ. Live that truth.