Bible Study Questions
Colossians 3:10-14

Our New Identity in Christ

Paul J. Bucknell
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“10 Have put on the new self who is being renewed to a true knowledge according to the image of the One who created him 11 --a renewal in which there is no distinction between Greek and Jew, circumcised and uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave and freeman, but Christ is all, and in all.” (Col 3:10-11 NASB).

12 And so, as those who have been chosen of God, holy and beloved, put on a heart of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience; 13 bearing with one another, and forgiving each other, whoever has a complaint against anyone; just as the Lord forgave you, so also should you. 14 And beyond all these things put on love, which is the perfect bond of unity. (Colossians 3:12-14)

Many Christians totally misunderstand their life in Christ and therefore needlessly struggle with their Christian faith. In Colossians 3:10-14 Paul clarifies the theological understanding of our Christian life and how to live it affects our approach to life.

Together name at least five struggles that Christians face in their lives.

Basic Study Questions (Col 3:10-14)

What is the ‘new self’ spoken of in verse 3:10?
How might the new self differ from the old self (3:5-9)
Is it clear when the Christian believer gains this new self (3:10)? Is it something that happens all at once or constantly?
What might it mean when it says the new self is being renewed (3:10)?
What is the new self growing more and more like (3:10)? What might that final picture look like? What does that practically mean?
Does a Christian’s growth depend upon one’s education, background, culture, etc.? Read verse 11 and explain your answer.
What does Scythian mean? Search as needed.
There is a very abstract phrase at the end of verse 11, “Christ is all, and in all.” What might Paul be trying to communicate here?
What are the three ways Paul describes believers in verse 12? Identify and define each one. Which means the most to you and why?
How does the ‘put on’ differ or act similarly to the put on from verse 8?
The rest of verses 11 and 12 identify 8 character qualities. List and define each one.
Which are one or two character traits that you need to be more like Christ? How would that kind of response improve your present circumstance? Together pray for God’s strength in that area.
Why is it so hard to forgive others? Do you have a hard time forgiving? Explain.
Why is love considered “the perfect bond of unity?”

Advanced Study Questions

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