Three-in-One: The Relational GodNäide

God's Fellowship (10)

New Life, New People

Some of the most important words in the Bible seem pretty "blah" when they stand alone.

• but
• if
• then
• therefore
• since
• so (that)
• because

But these words are very important. They provide clues that explain what things mean, why things happen, and how things fit together. Pay careful attention to these words.

Colossians 3 starts with one of these important words. Depending on your translation, it might be “since” or “since then” or “if then.” That's a clue to lean in. It’s like Paul is saying, “Listen up: the stuff I just said matters for what’s coming next. Did you pay attention to it? If not, go back and read it again because it explains why I’m now going to say the next things.”

Think about that as you read verses 1–4. Those verses then lead to the instructions in verses 5–10. Living by Paul’s instructions in verses 5–10 is evidence for what he says in verses 11–12a. The truth in verses 11-12a logically leads to the instructions he writes in verses 12b-17.

Paul writes with purpose. Everything is connected together. Look for the clues.

Reflect

• What are some ways a follower of Jesus can "take off" the old nature and "put on" the new?
• What do you learn about God in these verses? (When Paul writes "God" he almost always means the Father.)
• What do you learn about Jesus in these verses? (When Paul writes "Lord" he almost always means Jesus).
• What do you learn about the Holy Spirit in these verses?
• What do you learn about humanity and yourself in these verses?