Bible Study: Who Are You? (Session 1)
WHO ARE YOU?
A Study of Identity in Christ
Colossians 3:1–17
“Christ who is your life…”
Colossians 3:4
A Three-Session Study Guide
for Personal Reflection or Group Use
Prepared by: Patrick Priest
INTRODUCTION
The question of identity is not a modern concern. From the beginning, God’s people have wrestled with what it means to belong to Him and how that belonging should shape the way they live. In Colossians 3:1–17, the apostle Paul addresses this question directly by grounding the believer’s identity in Christ and showing how that identity transforms every aspect of life.
Paul writes to believers who were being pressured by teachings that blurred the gospel with human wisdom, religious rule-keeping, and cultural philosophy. Rather than offering a new system or additional requirements, Paul calls believers back to the sufficiency of Christ. Before instructing them on how to live, he reminds them of who they are.
This study is built around three movements found in the passage. First, Paul reminds believers who they are in Christ and where their true life is found. Second, he confronts who they are no longer called to be by calling them to put away the practices of the old life. Finally, he shows how a life aligned with Christ is made visible through character, relationships, and devotion to God.
This guide is designed to help believers examine their lives in light of their identity in Christ. It is not intended to promote behavior modification apart from the gospel, nor does it present spiritual maturity as something to be earned. Rather, it invites reflection on how resurrection life in Christ reshapes the heart, the mind, and daily conduct.
Whether used individually or in a group setting, the goal of this study is simple: to encourage believers to live from who they are in Christ, not who they once were, and to grow in a way that reflects the transforming power of the gospel.
SESSION 1: WHO YOU ARE
Colossians 3:1–4
Read the Text
Colossians 3:1–4 (ESV)
If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth. For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. When Christ who is your life appears, then you also will appear with him in glory.
Setting the Context
Paul writes these words to believers who are being pressured by false teachers that are teaching a gospel that blends religious rule-keeping, human wisdom, and cultural philosophy with faith in Christ.
These teachings attempt to diminish the gospel of Christ by suggesting that something more than Him was necessary for spiritual maturity.
They were teaching a gospel that runs contrary to the gospel of grace through faith (Eph. 2:8-9).
Before Paul ever tells believers what to do, he reminds them who they are. Identity matters in shaping our worldview.
Christian living is not about behavior modification; it is about an identity transformation that is shaped through our relationship with Christ.
Raised With Christ (v.1)
Paul begins with a statement that defines the Christian’s new position:
“If then you have been raised with Christ…”
This is an assumed reality and not a hypothetical condition that shapes the way we perceive, act, and live. Paul is saying, “Since this is true…”
To be raised with Christ means:
Because our position has changed, our direction in which we think, move, and function in the world must change:
“Seek the things that are above…”
This does not mean disengaging from earthly responsibilities. It means living with heavenly priorities by viewing life through the lens of Christ’s authority and rule.
Paul anchors this perspective by reminding us of where Christ is:
“…seated at the right hand of God.”
This is a position of authority, power, and preeminence.
If Christ occupies that place in heaven, He must also occupy that place in our thinking (Romans 12:1-2) because how we think affects how we live (Eph. 4:23; Phil. 4:8).
A New Mindset (v.2)
“Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth.”
This is an intentional, ongoing command. Christian growth requires disciplined thinking.
Paul contrasts:
This directly confronts legalism. Paul has already rejected the idea that spirituality is earned through rule-keeping (Colossians 2:20–23). The Christian life is not submission to a system, but devotion to a Savior.
A renewed mind, heart, and life flows from a renewed identity, and it begins with knowing who you are in Christ (see, John 1:12).
You Have Died (v.3)
“For you have died…”
This statement explains why a new mindset is possible, and necessary.
The believer has died:
Death is final. Paul does not speak of managing or improving the old self because it is considered dead. Through Christ you have been made new and walk in a newness of life (2 Cor. 5:17).
Because we died with Christ, we now live in Christ.
Hidden With Christ (v.3)
“…and your life is hidden with Christ in God.”
This phrase speaks of:
To be “hidden” does not mean unknown; it means protected.
Strength and growth flow from this reality, and they are accessed through:
Spiritual immaturity often reveals itself not in lack of knowledge, but in lack of abiding in Christ. Spiritual maturity grows out of a relationship of dependency on Christ.
Christ Is Your Life (v.4)
“When Christ who is your life appears…”
This is one of the most defining statements in the passage.
Christ is not:
Christ is our life.
This affects:
Paul ties identity to destiny. Because Christ will appear in glory, those united with Him will share in that glory.
A changed identity brings:
Reflection & Application
Take time to reflect honestly.
Prayer
Lord, help me live from who I am in You, not who I once was. Renew my mind, anchor my heart in Christ, and teach me to seek the things above while I walk faithfully here below.
Notes/ Reflections:
A Study of Identity in Christ
Colossians 3:1–17
“Christ who is your life…”
Colossians 3:4
A Three-Session Study Guide
for Personal Reflection or Group Use
Prepared by: Patrick Priest
INTRODUCTION
The question of identity is not a modern concern. From the beginning, God’s people have wrestled with what it means to belong to Him and how that belonging should shape the way they live. In Colossians 3:1–17, the apostle Paul addresses this question directly by grounding the believer’s identity in Christ and showing how that identity transforms every aspect of life.
Paul writes to believers who were being pressured by teachings that blurred the gospel with human wisdom, religious rule-keeping, and cultural philosophy. Rather than offering a new system or additional requirements, Paul calls believers back to the sufficiency of Christ. Before instructing them on how to live, he reminds them of who they are.
This study is built around three movements found in the passage. First, Paul reminds believers who they are in Christ and where their true life is found. Second, he confronts who they are no longer called to be by calling them to put away the practices of the old life. Finally, he shows how a life aligned with Christ is made visible through character, relationships, and devotion to God.
This guide is designed to help believers examine their lives in light of their identity in Christ. It is not intended to promote behavior modification apart from the gospel, nor does it present spiritual maturity as something to be earned. Rather, it invites reflection on how resurrection life in Christ reshapes the heart, the mind, and daily conduct.
Whether used individually or in a group setting, the goal of this study is simple: to encourage believers to live from who they are in Christ, not who they once were, and to grow in a way that reflects the transforming power of the gospel.
SESSION 1: WHO YOU ARE
Colossians 3:1–4
Read the Text
Colossians 3:1–4 (ESV)
If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth. For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. When Christ who is your life appears, then you also will appear with him in glory.
Setting the Context
Paul writes these words to believers who are being pressured by false teachers that are teaching a gospel that blends religious rule-keeping, human wisdom, and cultural philosophy with faith in Christ.
These teachings attempt to diminish the gospel of Christ by suggesting that something more than Him was necessary for spiritual maturity.
They were teaching a gospel that runs contrary to the gospel of grace through faith (Eph. 2:8-9).
Before Paul ever tells believers what to do, he reminds them who they are. Identity matters in shaping our worldview.
Christian living is not about behavior modification; it is about an identity transformation that is shaped through our relationship with Christ.
Raised With Christ (v.1)
Paul begins with a statement that defines the Christian’s new position:
“If then you have been raised with Christ…”
This is an assumed reality and not a hypothetical condition that shapes the way we perceive, act, and live. Paul is saying, “Since this is true…”
To be raised with Christ means:
- We are united with Him in His resurrection
- Our old life has ended
- A new life has begun
Because our position has changed, our direction in which we think, move, and function in the world must change:
“Seek the things that are above…”
This does not mean disengaging from earthly responsibilities. It means living with heavenly priorities by viewing life through the lens of Christ’s authority and rule.
Paul anchors this perspective by reminding us of where Christ is:
“…seated at the right hand of God.”
This is a position of authority, power, and preeminence.
If Christ occupies that place in heaven, He must also occupy that place in our thinking (Romans 12:1-2) because how we think affects how we live (Eph. 4:23; Phil. 4:8).
A New Mindset (v.2)
“Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth.”
This is an intentional, ongoing command. Christian growth requires disciplined thinking.
Paul contrasts:
- A worldly mindset — shaped by culture, desire, and self
- A heavenly mindset — shaped by Christ, truth, and eternity
This directly confronts legalism. Paul has already rejected the idea that spirituality is earned through rule-keeping (Colossians 2:20–23). The Christian life is not submission to a system, but devotion to a Savior.
A renewed mind, heart, and life flows from a renewed identity, and it begins with knowing who you are in Christ (see, John 1:12).
You Have Died (v.3)
“For you have died…”
This statement explains why a new mindset is possible, and necessary.
The believer has died:
- To the old self
- To the authority of sin
- To the former way of life
Death is final. Paul does not speak of managing or improving the old self because it is considered dead. Through Christ you have been made new and walk in a newness of life (2 Cor. 5:17).
Because we died with Christ, we now live in Christ.
Hidden With Christ (v.3)
“…and your life is hidden with Christ in God.”
This phrase speaks of:
- Security — our salvation is not fragile
- Assurance — our standing is not based on performance
- Belonging — we are kept by God Himself
To be “hidden” does not mean unknown; it means protected.
Strength and growth flow from this reality, and they are accessed through:
- Prayer
- God’s Word
- Ongoing dependence on Christ
Spiritual immaturity often reveals itself not in lack of knowledge, but in lack of abiding in Christ. Spiritual maturity grows out of a relationship of dependency on Christ.
Christ Is Your Life (v.4)
“When Christ who is your life appears…”
This is one of the most defining statements in the passage.
Christ is not:
- A part of life
- An accessory to life
- One priority among many
- Something we find a place for in our lives
Christ is our life.
This affects:
- Our values
- Our decisions
- Our relationships
- Our hope for the future
- Every aspect of our lives
Paul ties identity to destiny. Because Christ will appear in glory, those united with Him will share in that glory.
A changed identity brings:
- A new nature
- A new direction
- A new destination
- A new life
Reflection & Application
Take time to reflect honestly.
- What currently shapes your mindset more, the world or Christ?
- In what ways do you still live as though the old self is alive?
- How does knowing your life is “hidden with Christ” affect your security and confidence?
- What would change if Christ truly functioned as your life, not merely a part of it?
Prayer
Lord, help me live from who I am in You, not who I once was. Renew my mind, anchor my heart in Christ, and teach me to seek the things above while I walk faithfully here below.
Notes/ Reflections:
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