Colossians: Final Thoughts
We have been talking about Colossians the past few weeks, and today we are going to wrap up with some discussion of Chapter 3 and 4…So much good stuff in these final 2 chapters!
Chapter 3 really covers 4 main points:
Lots of language about putting off and putting on
Paul is talking about transformation not conformation
Be transformed by the renewing of your mind not conformed by the world Romans 12
Transformation: As we grow and develop as a Christian, it will involve real change, a "putting off" of the old (our ‘fleshly’ life with its desires) and a "putting on" of the new (we as new creations in Christ).
- “So put to death the sinful, earthly things lurking within you.” Col 3:5
- “Since you have been raised to new life with Christ, set your sights on the realities of heaven, where Christ sits in the place of honor at God’s right hand.” Col 3:1
Ongoing Growth: This new life is not static but requires continuous growth and learning.
- “Since God chose you to be the holy people he loves, you must clothe yourselves with tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience.” Col 3:12
ESV Put on then, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved,
We must first understand that we are chosen and beloved
Savor Mentorship spends an entire month on knowing who we are in Christ
Knowing our real id from our fake id is so important
Feeling weird about my birthday not wanting anyone to make a big deal about it
Realized it was bc of my fake id that people and God will love me if I get things done for them
Once we know our real id then we can put on:
compassionate hearts (bowels of compassion) bearing with one another and forgiving one another
Sometimes it stinks to forgive others but we are called to forgive as Christ forgave us
Leading with Love: It's not just head knowledge but a heart-level understanding that shapes our being. Everything we have talked about so far means nothing without love…we can’t effectively be merciful, kind, or really humble without leading with love…
- “Above all, clothe yourselves with love, which binds us all together in perfect harmony. And let the peace that comes from Christ rule in your hearts. For as members of one body you are called to live in peace. And always be thankful.” Col 3:14-15
Verse 14 Above all put on love
In any good recipe when you are breading something, you need a binder sometimes it is egg but in life it is love
Holds everything together
These attributes are ones we will never perfect this side of heaven, but we DO need to consistently grow into them–choosing to be more merciful, kind, humble, gentle and patient each day. This is NOT a place for guilt or shame–God’s mercies are new every morning!
Growing brings about pain at times
Also, note it says to ALWAYS be thankful…This may not be easy in the valleys, but it will always change our attitude and heart-posture if we keep thankfulness on the tip of our tongue! (Staci’s example of being on the porch after J and C injuries–feeling overwhelming gratitude)
The Goal of Christlikeness: The ultimate aim of being a new creation in Christ is to reflect the character and nature of God in our lives…
- “Put on your new nature, and be renewed as you learn to know your Creator and become like him.” Col 3:10
Let’s wrap up Colossians with 4:2: “Devote yourselves to prayer with an alert mind and a thankful heart.”
Continue steadfastly or devote yourselves to prayer being watchful or alert WITH Thanksgiving
So interesting that he tells us to be watchful
What are we watching for?
For God to answer the prayer
Mark 14:38 watch and pray so that you do not fall into temptation
If we pray without watching we might be tempted to believe that God does not hear us or even worse that He does not care
Walk in wisdom toward outsiders making the best use of the time. Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt so that you may know how you ought to answer each person
As the word of Christ dwells in us richly, may we spread the aroma of the fragrance of the knowledge of Christ
Ok, you know this is one of our favorite things to talk about! How wonderful is prayer? I think a lot of women get stuck here because they believe prayer has to be this formal, time-consuming thing that must be checked off the list each day…NO! Prayer is simply talking to God! Really, it is that simple. In the shower, in our cars, on our knees, on the beach, in the store–we can just have this amazing, on-going conversation with God all day–we cannot bore Him or frustrate Him…He wants to hear our voice and the more, the better! (maybe talk about our experience a bit based on where we are timewise…)
Any wrap-up points you want to make….
SAVOR MOMENT:
Grab a friend and do your own Bible study on Colossians as you create this masterpiece (And notice it says DARK chocolate, cuz is there any other? I will die on this hill!)
NoBake Dark Chocolate Ricotta Mousse with Velvety Espresso Swirl
Ingredients
8 oz dark chocolate, chopped
1 cup whole milk ricotta cheese
1 cup chilled heavy cream
¼ cup powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
¼ cup brewed and cooled espresso
2 tablespoons cocoa powder for dusting
Chocolate shavings for garnish (optional)
Directions
1️⃣ Melt the dark chocolate in a heatproof bowl over a double boiler or microwave until smooth. Allow it to cool slightly.
2️⃣ In a chilled bowl, whip the heavy cream until soft peaks form, gradually incorporating the powdered sugar and vanilla extract until stiff peaks develop.
3️⃣ Smooth out the ricotta cheese in another bowl, then gently fold in the melted chocolate until fully combined.
4️⃣ Carefully fold the whipped cream into the chocolate ricotta mixture in three separate additions, maintaining its aerated texture.
5️⃣ Mix the cooled espresso with a tablespoon of the mousse mixture in a small bowl to form the espresso swirl.
6️⃣ Layer the mousse into serving glasses or bowls, alternating with the espresso mixture to create a lovely marbled appearance.
7️⃣ Chill the mousse in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours to set.
8️⃣ Just before serving, dust with cocoa powder and add chocolate shavings if you wish.
