Colossians 3:4 (NLT) And when Christ, who is your life, is revealed to the whole world, you will share in all his glory. Big Idea – The True Self will overflow with thankfulness. 1. Your true self is not . – continue to follow Jesus 6 And now, just as you accepted Christ Jesus as your Lord, you must continue to follow him. 7 Let your roots grow down into him, and let your lives be built on him. Then your faith will grow strong in the truth you were taught, and you will overflow with thankfulness. 2. Your true self is at . – beware of captivity 8 Don’t let anyone capture you with empty philosophies and high-sounding nonsense that come from human thinking and from the spiritual powers of this world, rather than from Christ. 3. Your true self is . – through union with Jesus 9 For in Christ lives all the fullness of God in a human body. 10 So you also are complete through your union with Christ, who is the head over every ruler and authority. 4. Your true self is . – raised to new life with Jesus. 12 For you were buried with Christ when you were baptized. And with him you were raised to new life because you trusted the mighty power of God, who raised Christ from the dead. 13 You were dead because of your sins and because your sinful nature was not yet cut away. Then God made you alive with Christ, for he forgave all our sins. What Now? Check your roots. Guard your mind. Rest in your completeness. The “false self” is that inner drive to prove yourself, protect yourself, or promote yourself apart from Jesus. Performance at School/Work/Team — Am I successful enough? Social Media Identity — Do you like me? Body Image or Fitness — Do I look impressive? Relationships & Dating — Am I wanted? Religious Effort — Am I good enough? Continuing The Conversation 1. What’s one way your “roots” in Jesus could go deeper this week (like prayer, Scripture, loving or forgiving your enemies )? 2. Where do you see “empty wisdom” about human identity in culture that seems attractive but doesn’t actually give life? 3. What’s something in your life you keep chasing to feel complete—grades, sports, achievement, relationships—and how does Jesus already meet that need? 4. How might you explain being made “alive with Jesus” to a friend who doesn’t believe? 5. What’s one practice that helps you keep following and abiding in Jesus daily, not just occasionally?