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In Christ: Let No One Disqualify You
Paul’s words in Colossians 2:16–3:4 call believers to resist every form of “Jesus + something else” religion. Legalism, mysticism, and asceticism all promise control and spiritual superiority, but they lead only to pride and exhaustion. The Gospel tells a better story — that Jesus’s finished work on the cross has already justified us. Our identity and worth are secure in Him. Paul urges the Colossians to hold fast to Christ, remembering that they’ve died with Him to self- justification and been raised with Him to new life. Our role now isn’t to prove ourselves, but to rest in what He’s done and live in gratitude, freedom, and joy.
Here are some discussion questions to further guide your conversation:
Read Colossians 2:16–23. Paul says not to let anyone “judge” or “disqualify” you. What kinds of things make people today feel like they’re not spiritual enough or “good Christians”?
• Why do you think we’re so tempted to add extra rules or routines to our faith just to feel more spiritual or more accepted by God? How have rule-keeping (legalism), seeking deeper spiritual experiences (mysticism), and humility (asceticism) given you a sense of self-righteousness (pride) or caused you shame in the past? How do both pride and shame prevent you from genuinely loving God and others?
• Legalism, mysticism, and asceticism were the Colossians’ “self-justification projects.” What might those look like in our world (or student ministry) today?
• Read Colossians 3:1–4. According to these verses, what should be our focus now that we’re united with Christ? How does this change the way we see ourselves and others?
• The Gospel states that Jesus’s work on the cross completely justifies us before God. How does believing that free you from comparison, performance, or guilt?
• What’s one specific way you can “hold fast to Jesus” this week instead of trying to prove yourself or earn approval — from God or others?
• Pray, asking God to help you see where you’re relying on your works to justify yourself instead of trusting in what He has done for you.
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By Where Every Student BelongsPaul’s words in Colossians 2:16–3:4 call believers to resist every form of “Jesus + something else” religion. Legalism, mysticism, and asceticism all promise control and spiritual superiority, but they lead only to pride and exhaustion. The Gospel tells a better story — that Jesus’s finished work on the cross has already justified us. Our identity and worth are secure in Him. Paul urges the Colossians to hold fast to Christ, remembering that they’ve died with Him to self- justification and been raised with Him to new life. Our role now isn’t to prove ourselves, but to rest in what He’s done and live in gratitude, freedom, and joy.
Here are some discussion questions to further guide your conversation:
Read Colossians 2:16–23. Paul says not to let anyone “judge” or “disqualify” you. What kinds of things make people today feel like they’re not spiritual enough or “good Christians”?
• Why do you think we’re so tempted to add extra rules or routines to our faith just to feel more spiritual or more accepted by God? How have rule-keeping (legalism), seeking deeper spiritual experiences (mysticism), and humility (asceticism) given you a sense of self-righteousness (pride) or caused you shame in the past? How do both pride and shame prevent you from genuinely loving God and others?
• Legalism, mysticism, and asceticism were the Colossians’ “self-justification projects.” What might those look like in our world (or student ministry) today?
• Read Colossians 3:1–4. According to these verses, what should be our focus now that we’re united with Christ? How does this change the way we see ourselves and others?
• The Gospel states that Jesus’s work on the cross completely justifies us before God. How does believing that free you from comparison, performance, or guilt?
• What’s one specific way you can “hold fast to Jesus” this week instead of trying to prove yourself or earn approval — from God or others?
• Pray, asking God to help you see where you’re relying on your works to justify yourself instead of trusting in what He has done for you.