Sabbath School Lesson for March 7-13, 2026
Introduction of Lesson 11, Living With Christ
Memory Text: “But above all things put on love, which is the bond of perfection.” Colossians 3:14 NKJV
Perhaps you’ve heard the caution that we can be so heavenly-minded that we are of no earthly good. While that may be true for some, the far likelier problem is that we can be so earthly-minded that we are of no heavenly use to anyone.
There are many cases where down-to-earth situations need heavenly, spiritual solutions. We are all faced with opposition and grievous circumstances throughout our life, and the only way we can survive them well is to keep in touch with our heavenly Father.
Paul lifted up Christ as our example for how develop a sanctified life on this earth, so we will be able to live someday in that perfect place called heaven. Living with Christ now is the only way we can have the inner peace we need to live, love, and forgive in keeping with our “bond of perfection”, embodied in Jesus Christ.
- Sunday: Heavenly-Mindedness
- Monday: End Earthliness
- Tuesday: Renewed in Knowledge
- Wednesday: Character of the New Life
- Thursday: Living the New Life
Sunday: Heavenly-Mindedness
Psalm 121:1, 2 reminds us that our help comes from above. From a mountaintop, we have a glimpse into the vast landscape below. This is why having a heavenly perspective can help us maneuver more effectively here on earth. We can see more clearly where we’re going.
It’s important to choose to keep our thoughts daily centered on the beautiful, perfect life of Christ, our heavenly example, so we will be transformed in character to be like Him.
Colossians 3:1-4 reveals how our minds can be on heavenly things when we keep them on Christ. He showed us how to live and die. He cared for those in need, spoke up for the marginalized, and died with love and forgiveness on His lips. Furthermore, the way He appeared so gloriously to the disciples after His resurrection and during His ascension into heaven gives us hope for our eternal future. These are the scenes on which we must focus our minds.
Verses and questions:
Colossians 3:1-4
- How can we be with Christ, when He is no longer with us on earth?
- In what way is Christ in our life, and what will that allow us to do both now and in the future (v. 4)?
Monday: End Earthliness
Paul does not leave us guessing about the earthly things we must eliminate from our minds. He mentions them specifically as being thoughts that lead to “fornication, uncleanness, passion, evil desire, and covetousness” (Colossians 3:5). He plainly declares that these things amount to idolatry. They become the means that cause us to replace God with something else: a worthless idol.
When we die spiritually with Christ, those “members” (our body parts that feel tempted), die also. Then, just as Christ died and was raised to newness of life, we, too, are raised to a new life in Him. Baptism is a beautiful symbolic representation of how we die and live this new life.
It is the sinful, earthly pleasures that we crave so much that cause us to experience the “wrath of God” (Colossians 3:6). We sow what we reap, as God warns us repeatedly in His word. A holy, righteous God cannot exist in the presence of evil. It is only the Savior’s sinless life, covering us like a beautiful, white robe, over our filthy, sinful rags, that we have any safety. God’s wrath is simply the consequences of our own unlawful behaviors.
Verses and questions;
Colossians 3:5
- How do we put to death our earthly, sinful nature?
- Why is death required to get rid of our earthly thoughts and desires?
Colossians 3:6
- What is it that brings out God’s wrath?
- Who’s fault is it that God is angry, and how do we experience His wrath?
Tuesday: Renewed in Knowledge
Knowing about Christ (as when we hear or read about Him in the Bible), and then knowing Him as a friend (through prayer), are the necessary means that transform us, making us a new creature. We become citizens of another kingdom, not of this world.
People will notice that we have changed. No longer will they hear angry, spiteful, abusive, lying, filthy words come out of our mouth. Something will be different about our demeanor. Instead, our friends will hear more patient, loving, pure, and honest things coming from us.
There is a decisive, if not dramatic, change in our character that makes us stand out from many of those around us. This process continues throughout our life, as we are renewed daily into someone closer to the image of God.
Verses and questions:
Colossians 3:6-10
- What are some important ways we change when we get to know Jesus?
- When might people have seen a difference in your character? Or, when did you feel Christ begin to work more powerfully in your life?
Colossians 3:11
- Why is it important to remember that all people are included in this potential for renewal?
Wednesday: Character of the New Life
It’s helpful to know what a “new life” looks like. Paul was very clear about the elements that show we are living with Christ. He mentions those who not only have been called, but are His elect. They are the ones who have chosen to follow God, making them “holy and beloved” (Colossians 3:12).
A new life is identified as one that makes us merciful, forgiving, humble, and patient.
1 Peter 2:9 describes His chosen ones as those who “proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light”. By uniting themselves with Christ, all their relationships feel a difference. They and others are blessed by the acts of kindness, mercy, and forgiveness that are offered. But God is also blessed by our devoted service. He is glorified as others are encouraged to follow our loving example.
Verses and questions:
Colossians 3:12-14, Matthew 22:14, and 1 John 4:11, 12
- What’s the difference in being called and being chosen by God?
- How are relationships impacted by “the new life”?
- What is the bond that allows us to be perfected and more like Christ?
Thursday: Living the New Life
There are other features of the new life we must consider. It brings a unique brand of peace to our hearts, one that exceeds all understanding (Philippians 4:7). It is not a peace imposed from the outside, as from any earthly force or government. Instead, it comes from the inside, from the depths of our hearts.
This special peace that characterizes our new life comes to us by way of God’s word: reading and hearing it preached, and also by spiritually-uplifting music. We recall the way David used his soothing harp music to calm King Saul before they became rivals for the throne. The right kind of music does have the power to reach our emotions in a positive way–reducing anxiety and even helping us deal with pain, both physical and emotional.
This is why we must each determine the kind of music that is harmful or helpful to our own Christian walk. It may vary from person to person, and from congregation to congregation. But recognizing that music choices are important will enable us to maneuver these questions.
Our words and actions that are done in Jesus’ name and for His kingdom are also factors that Paul recognized as important to our new life. They, too, are expressions of our thankfulness to the Creator and show that our hearts have been made new.
Verses and questions:
Colossians 3:15-17
- In what ways does Christ live in us?
- How does music contribute to living the new life, and how can it sometimes be a barrier to spiritual growth?
Friday: Final Thoughts
Living with Jesus becomes of utmost importance when we read that without Him we can do nothing (John 15:5). And if that’s not enough, Philippians 4:13 proclaims that through Christ we “can do all things”. Why would we not want to be with such a powerful being as God’s own Son? His grace is sufficient for all our needs.
It’s the perfect deal for us. Our debts are paid in full by Christ, and then His assets are transferred to us. Love between us and God is the currency that makes this transaction beneficial for all involved.
To live with Christ, we must develop a mindset like His. United with Him, we find strength to be more loving, kind, and merciful, just as He was. The world can always benefit from more individuals who have such a close bond with the Lord.
Next Week: Living with Each Other
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