Week beginning Sunday 3rd of August
Lectionary Reading: Colossians 3:1–11

SESSION THEME:

Transformation, identity, inclusion, and the image of God in all.

Framing Idea: This passage isn’t about moralism or behaviour management.
It is about radical spiritual transformation—moving from fear and division to love and communion, in Christ who is all and in all.

Welcome

Begin with a moment of silence. Invite people to breathe deeply and centre themselves.
THen Pray:

Opening Prayer

Living Christ, you clothe us in grace and truth.
Open our minds to see the world as you do.
Open our hearts to become the people you call us to be.
May your Spirit stir in us a holy courage to live with justice, humility, and love. Amen.

Scripture Reading

Read Colossians 3:1–11 slowly and prayerfully, preferably from a translation that includes inclusive language
Invite someone to read the passage aloud twice. The first time, ask people to simply listen. The second time, ask:

• What word or phrase catches your attention?
• What image or invitation stirs in you?

Allow brief silence after each reading.

Heartbeat Reflection Sections

Part 1 – Reframing Vision

Verses 1–2: “Seek the things that are above…”

Paul begins by inviting us to “seek the things that are above”—not as an escape from the world, but as a way of seeing it differently. For modern readers shaped by justice and inclusion, “above” means aligning with God’s reign here and now: mercy, courage, compassion, reconciliation. Think of how Marcus Borg and James Alison talk about reframing faith as living with open eyes and hearts.

Wonderings

• What does it mean to you to “seek what is above” in a world of climate crisis, conflict, and division.
• How have your eyes been opened to see the world differently in the light of Christ

Part 2 – Hidden Identity in Christ

Verse 3: “Your life is hidden with Christ in God.”

This verse invites us into mystery. As Rowan Williams and Sarah Coakley suggest, Christian identity is not about spiritual superiority or visibility, but about kenosis—a surrender to God’s love and grace. Our truest self is not our ego or performance, but the self formed in love, solidarity, and humility.

Wonderings

• What parts of your “old self” are no longer helpful or true.
• What does it feel like to imagine your life “hidden with Christ”

Part 3  Dismantling the Dehumanising

Verse 5: “Put to death whatever is earthly…”

This part of the passage has often been misused to shame bodies or repress desire. But read in the light of liberation theology, “earthly” refers not to the physical, but to dehumanising systems: greed, exploitation, and violence. Paul names “greed, which is idolatry”—a deeply political critique of empire.

Wonderings

• What systems or patterns do you see today that dehumanise other.
• How can we practise faith in a way that redeems humanity, not rejects it

Part 4 – Clothed in the New Self

Verses 9–10: “Clothe yourselves with the new self…”

Being “clothed anew” is a continual journey of formation. It’s not about becoming perfect but becoming more fully alive in love. As Process Theology suggests, we are always becoming—always being renewed, shaped in God’s image.

Wonderings

• What do you imagine the “new self” looks like in your life today.
• What habits, values, or relationships help you grow into Christ’s image

Reflect

If you could wear one visible symbol each day to remind you that you are “clothed in Christ,” what would it be? What would it mean to you?

Part 5 – Christ Is All and In All

Verse 11: “Christ is all and in all.”

Here Paul makes one of the most radically inclusive statements in the New Testament. In Christ, there is no longer Jew or Greek, slave or free, male and female—no dividing lines. This resonates deeply with commitments to anti-racism, LGBTQ+ inclusion, gender justice, and human dignity. It also echoes Franciscan spirituality, which sees Christ in every person and all creation.

Wonderings

• Where have you encountered Christ in someone unexpected.
• What does it mean for your community to live as though Christ is all, and in all

Group Response & Sharing

Write a short prayer or reflection:  “Christ, clothe me in…”

Sharing Circle

Invite anyone who wishes to share one insight or question that is staying with them. Encourage listening without interruption or commentary.

Heartfelt Action: Living the Transformation

Choose one or more of the following as take-home actions:

• Clothing Reminder: Select a scarf, bracelet, badge, or another item you wear this week as a reminder that you are “clothed in Christ.”
• Community Act: Take a step to honour the image of God in someone who is different from you—through conversation, advocacy, or support.
• Kenosis Practice: Identify one small area where you can release control this week and practise humility or service.

Closing Prayer

Christ in all,
You strip away what divides
and clothe us in mercy.
Clothe our minds with peace,
our hearts with justice,
our voices with courage,
and our lives with compassion.
Let us walk as those transformed—
ever becoming, ever beloved.
Amen.

You can download the printable PDF of this Bible Study here