The Old Self and the New Self
A. The old self that is of this world...
1) ...is bound by human standards (2:20-23)
20 Since you died with Christ to the basic principles of this world, why, as though you still belonged to it, do you submit to its rules:
21 "Do not handle! Do not taste! Do not touch!"?
22 These are all destined to perish with use, because they are based on human commands and teachings.
23 Such regulations indeed have an appearance of wisdom, with their self-imposed worship, their false humility and their harsh treatment of the body, but they lack any value in restraining sensual indulgence.
2) ...doesn't seek to live by God's standards (3:5-8)
5 Put to death, therefore, whatever belongs to your earthly nature: sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires and greed, which is idolatry.
6 Because of these, the wrath of God is coming.
7 You used to walk in these ways, in the life you once lived.
8 But now you must rid yourselves of all such things as these: anger, rage, malice, slander, and filthy language from your lips.
B. The new self that is part of God's kingdom...
1) ...seeks God's kingdom (3:1-4, 9-10)
3:1 Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God.
2 Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.
3 For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God.
4 When Christ, who is your life, appears, then you also will appear with him in glory.
9 Do not lie to each other, since you have taken off your old self with its practices
10 and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge in the image of its Creator.
2) ...can cross all kinds of boundaries such as race, nationality, identity, and sexual orientation (3:11)
11 Here there is no Greek or Jew, circumcised or uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave or free, but Christ is all, and is in all.
Summary
The Bible's definition of spirituality is different than the more general understanding that people may have in mind. There are times when teachings about spirituality, contrary to the Bible's teachings, cause confusion within the church. True spirituality means being committed to follow the triune God, not being swayed by other things that people deem to be "spiritual."
For Discussion
1) What is Christ like?
2) How is the Bible's understanding of spirituality different than that of this world?