Discussion questions

1. Paul gives two lists of sins (vv. 5 and 8). What is the difference between these lists? What can we learn from the fact that Paul says the sins in both lists still dwell in people who are in Christ? Which items speak directly to where you need to engage with sin?

2. Reflect on Paul's phrase "covetousness which is idolatry." Why does this phrase appear in a list of sexual sins? What do greed and lust have in common? What makes greed or covetousness idolatry?

3. The Christian life is not just a struggle with sin but a restorative work that God is leading and in which we are participating. Where do you see that in this passage? What does putting off the old man and putting on the new man mean?

4. The gospel creates a new community. Discuss what Paul means in verse 11 that there is neither Jew nor Greek, circumcised or uncircumcised, etc. Does Paul think the gospel removes all other identities? What does it mean in this light that "Christ is all and in all"?