Imago Dei Session 2
Discussion and Study Guide
In this week’s Study, we will focus our attention on the passage introduced in the session two video. For your discussion you will need to look at Colossians 3:10-17.
1.What are your initial thoughts of the session 2 video?
2.What are some things that stand out to you from the traits we are to put on? (Colossians 3:12)
When looking at these traits or virtues, we should recognize that several of the traits are described by the Apostle Paul as Fruits of the Spirit. Additionally, the remaining traits are descriptors of Jesus we see in the Gospels.
-Fruits of the Spirit: Kindness, Gentleness, Patience - See Galatians 5:22-23
-Characteristics of Jesus: Compassion - See Matthew 9:36; Matthew 15:32
Humility - See Philippians 2:3-11
3. How do we see the virtues that are a part of the Fruit of the Spirit, become a reality in our lives? See Galatians 5:16-18
4. When looking at Jesus' compassion and humility, what should we conclude about these virtues in our lives?
Jesus actively lived these traits out. His feeling of compassion led to acts of compassion. The humility that He possessed led to Him submitting at all times to the Father’s Plan. These traits should have the same effect on us as we strive to live like Jesus.
The next verse we encounter also focuses on actions, particularly within the body of Christ.
5. Read V. 13 - What component of the Image of God does this verse deal with?
6. How does taking part in these actions facilitate relationships?
7. Of the actions listed in V.13, which is the hardest for you? Why?
Verse 14 works in many ways as a summary verse to the above verses. Read V.14
For us to live out these traits, and achieve the true unity of relationship that was intended as a part of the Imago Dei, we must put on and live out love.
As a group read 1 Corinthians 13:4-8a and discuss what it would look like to truly put on love and live it out with:
-Your family
-Your church family
-Your neighbors and co-workers
8. What two “things of Christ” are to be a part of our inner life? (V. 15-16)
-Peace of Christ
-Word of Christ
These two items are supposed to play a pivotal role in the life of the new self. It is stated that the peace of Christ should rule (have dominion) in our hearts. Additionally, Paul talks of the word of Christ dwelling in us. The word dwell here carries the same idea that we have the Holy Spirit dwelling or living within us. When the word of Christ and the Holy Spirit dwell in us, we are able to walk in the new self.
9.How do you engage the scriptures so that the word of Christ dwells in you?
Verse 16 speaks of us communicating with our fellow believers via psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs. The key example of such songs are those found in the book of Psalms. Therein, we find songs that run the full spectrum of emotion, tell of Israel's history with God, express thankfulness and praise, and even prophecy of the coming Messiah. In a similar way, in addition to the book of Psalms, we should utilize songs that build us up in the same way.
10. In your groups, have each person share their favorite Psalm and why it is their favorite.
11. Read V. 17 - How do you think we are to live out this command?
Re-read V.17 in the New Living Translation
“ And whatever you do or say, do it as a representative of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through him to God the Father.”
12. How does the phrase “As Christ’s representatives” bring clarity on how we are to live out this command?