Becoming New Creatures in Christ

by | Jun 4, 2011 | Far Reaching Thoughts

Colossians 1:13 – 2:7 List some names that Paul uses to describe Christ.
Son, image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature, head of the body, the church, the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, Christ Jesus the Lord. All these names help us to see that Christ has done so much for us. He is the great redeemer. He lives for us. He knows how to help us through our trials. He also tells us we need to be rooted in Chris so he can help us. This we can rejoice and abound in great thanksgiving. This gives us the knowledge that we must find the Lord. Its presented in such a way that it is our responsibility. We can see this as we look at how Paul presents it, he tells us that Christ is all these things but until we go to him we can not receive the blessings that he promises to us. We can learn this from verse 6 in chapter 2.

What does it mean to be “rooted and built up in him, and established in the faith”? First cross reference the scripture where this phrase is found (Colossians 2:7) with Helaman 5:12. We find that this scripture in Helaman we learn that we need to build our foundations on the Savior. The scripture here in Colossians also teaches us this. We need to be rooted and built up in Him. How can we be rooted? I think of things that the prophets tell us, read the scriptures daily, study them often, go to the temple, pray always, and there are many more ways that we can and should root ourselves in Christ. To be established in faith I think of having a very firm faith in Christ. That we are solidly anchored and we can not be moved. We will do anything for the savior. He is our leader and exemplar.

In Colossae Paul warns the people of somethings that could lead them down a path that would not be good. He tells them that they need to beware mens philosophy and vain deceit. Also to not participate in anything that is not worshiping Jesus Christ. We can learn of these things from Colossians 2:8,18. If we turn to 2 Nephi 9:28-29 we find that the scholarly can also lead us to paths that we do not want to go. If they do not heed the councils of god we need to correct our ways and always follow the councils of God.

Things We Should Seek After or “Put On”

  • Your affection should be on things things that are above.
  • As the elect of God, holy and beloved
  • Bowels of Mercies
  • Kindness
  • Humbleness of Mind
  • Meekness
  • Long-suffering
  • Forbearing one another
  • Forgiving one another
  • Charity
  • Thankful
Things We Should “Mortify” or “Put Off”
  • Fornication
  • Uncleanness
  • Inordinate Affection
  • Evil Concupiscence
  • Covetousness
  • Idolatry
  • Anger
  • Wrath
  • Malice
  • Blasphemy
  • Filthy Communication out of your mouth
  • Lieing
Review Colossians 3:15-21 and identify in writing several ideas that would help families live in greater harmony. Then answer the following questions in writing:
  • What specific council did Paul give to children, parents, husbands, and wives?
He tells husbands to love your wives, and be not bitter against them. Then to Fathers he tells to not provoke children to anger. Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as it is fit in the Lord. To Children he says to obey your parents in all things. For this is well pleasing unto the Lord.
  • What did Paul teach about the importance of hymns?
He says to let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom. Teaching and admonishing one another with psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.