Part 11 of Growing to Maturity: The Message of Colossians – “Religion” often connotes rigorously adhering to rules and observing rituals to make yourself acceptable to God. The gospel is very different. It is the good news of God’s work to save us—not only forgiving our sins but giving us new life.

In our passage this morning, Paul pivots, moving from our new identity in Christ found in the first two chapters to the character of the new life we are to lead in the next four. We will consider Paul’s words by considering the three contrasts he presents–