The Pursuit - 12 Weeksنموونە

Colossians 2 shows what happens in baptism — we’re buried with Christ and raised to new life. Colossians 3 shows what happens afterward — how to actually live that new life day by day. Paul’s message is simple but challenging: if you belong to Jesus, live like it.

Baptism is the line in the sand, but transformation is the journey beyond it. Paul says to “set your sights on the realities of heaven,” which means reorienting your mind and desires around God’s kingdom instead of your old ways. Before Christ, your life was ruled by selfish impulses — pride, greed, anger, and impurity. But now you’ve taken off that old wardrobe and put on something new. You’ve been clothed in compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience.

Notice how Paul ties all this to your identity. He doesn’t say, “Try harder to be holy.” He says, “You are holy and dearly loved.” In other words, your behavior flows from who you are. You don’t obey to earn God’s approval; you obey because you already have it. Every day becomes an opportunity to live out the reality of your baptism — dying to the old self and walking in the new.

Reflection:

What part of your “old life” do you most need to leave behind so that you can fully live out your new identity in Christ?