Study Guide: Colossians 3:1-4
*This study guide can be used in conjunction with the message preached on February 22, 2026 during the series Jesus >.
Pray
Before you begin, take a moment to simply be still and quiet the “earthly things” that can clamor for your attention. Take a deep breath and release it reminding yourself that God is present with you in this very moment.
Read
Colossians 3:1-4
Observe
v. 1 | A New Foundation for Living
Christian living isn’t just about following a list of rules; it’s about the fact that you have been raised with Christ. Since Jesus is alive and ruling in heaven, your life should reflect that same energy. Just as Jesus left the tomb, you are called to leave your old habits behind and live with a new kind of power. Instead of staying stuck in the past, you can now live to serve others and focus on the big picture, knowing that Jesus is in control of everything.
vv. 2-3 | The Upward Focus of the Mind
The way you live each day depends on what you choose to focus on. Paul encourages us to set our minds on things above, which means making God’s priorities our own. It’s a deliberate choice to "tune" your brain to heaven’s frequency rather than getting distracted by every earthly problem. While daily tasks like school or work are important, they shouldn't take over your heart. Since your true life is "hidden" and safe with Christ, you can stay grounded even when life on earth feels chaotic.
v. 4 | Our True Identity Revealed
Sometimes, the world might see you as ordinary or unimportant, but your real identity is found in the phrase "Christ who is our life." Just as a dedicated athlete "lives" for their sport, a Christian’s entire life is wrapped up in Jesus. Right now, your spiritual growth might be invisible to others, but a day is coming when Jesus will return in all His glory. When that happens, the "real you"—the person God created you to be in Christ—will finally be seen by everyone.
Credit: Guzik, David. “Colossians 3 - Put off, Put On.” Enduring Word, n.d., https://enduringword.com/bible-commentary/colossians-3.
Application
1. Perform a "Mental Reset" Daily
Since verse 2 tells us to "set our minds," we have to realize that our focus doesn't just stay on God automatically; it tends to drift toward stress, social media, or drama. Start your morning by "tuning" your mind to heaven before you check your phone. Remind yourself that you are working for a King who is already in control. When you feel overwhelmed during the day, take 30 seconds to breathe and remember that your life is "hidden" and safe with Christ.
2. Live Out of Your "New Resume"
In verse 1, Paul says we were "raised with Christ." This means the old version of you—the one defined by past mistakes, labels people gave you, or your own insecurities—is gone. Stop letting your past define your present. If Jesus left the tomb, you shouldn't keep living in it. When you face a difficult situation or a temptation to go back to an old habit, tell yourself: "That’s not who I am anymore. I have the power of the Holy Spirit to act differently."
3. Find Your Worth in "The Hidden You"
Verse 4 reminds us that our true glory hasn't been revealed yet. In a world that obsessed with "likes," followers, and outward success, it’s easy to feel invisible if you aren't constantly being praised. Practice doing things for God that nobody else sees. Whether it’s helping a friend in secret or praying for someone who doesn't like you, find satisfaction in the fact that Jesus sees it. You don't need the world's "applause" right now because you know your true reward is coming when Christ appears.
Pray (ACTS)
What is the ACTS prayer model?
A - Praise God for King Jesus, the One who is truly residing over your life.
C - Confess any areas of your life where you are consumed by earthly worries or temporary distractions.
T - Thank God for the incredible promise that you have been raised with Christ and your true identity is sealed in Him.
S - Ask the Holy Spirit to help you live this week with a heavenly perspective, reflecting His glory in everything you do.
Discuss
Questions for personal reflection, spiritual insight, or group interaction.
Paul says we have been "raised with Christ." If you truly lived today as if you were standing on the other side of a resurrection, what is one "grave-like" habit or thought you would leave behind?
What does it mean to you personally that Christ is "sitting at the right hand of God" (v. 1)? How does His authority change the way you view the "authorities" or giants in your own life?
Verse 1 tells us to seek things above. What is the difference between simply knowing about God and actively "seeking" His kingdom in your daily routine?
If someone looked at your schedule and your bank statement, what would they say you are currently "seeking" most passionately?
Verse 2 distinguishes between "things above" and "earthly things." What is one "earthly thing" (even a good thing) that has been taking up too much space in your mind lately?
How can we practically "set our minds" on heaven while still dealing with the very real demands of school, work, and family?
Paul says our lives are "hidden with Christ in God" (v. 3). How does this "hiddenness" provide you with a sense of security when you feel misunderstood or overlooked by people?
When you feel anxious or stressed, what is your "default" mental setting? How can you use Colossians 3:2 to hit the reset button in those moments?
Verse 4 calls Jesus "our life." If you had to finish the sentence "For me, to live is ________," what would your honest answer be right now?
The world often defines us by our performance or appearance. How does the promise of "appearing with Him in glory" change the way you feel about your current flaws or struggles?
Paul mentions that we will appear with Him when He is revealed. How does the reality of Jesus’ return help you persevere through a difficult season right now?
Knowing that your "true self" is safe in heaven, what is one risk you feel brave enough to take for God this week?
Memory Verse
“Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God.” - Colossians 3:1
Resources for Further Study of Colossians: