Soul Food Bible Study 2025: Colossians Week 4

From Brokenness to Belonging: How Christ Redefines Your Identity

Michael Oher’s life was marked by instability—homelessness, foster care, and academic struggles. Yet, his story didn’t end there. When the Tuohy family welcomed him in, everything changed. He wasn’t just given a home; he was given a new identity. 

This is the same radical transformation Colossians 3 describes for every believer in Christ. 

1. You Are a New Creation (Col. 3:1-4)  

Your past doesn’t define you. Just as Michael Oher left behind homelessness, believers are called to leave behind their old ways. 

Your life is now hidden in Christ. This means: 

You are secure (no one can snatch you from Him). 

You are significant (your worth comes from Him, not your achievements). 

You are set apart (you live for eternity, not just earthly success). 

"I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me." (Galatians 2:20) 

2. Take Off the Old, Put On the New (Col. 3:5-14)  

You can’t wear two shirts at once—you must remove the old before putting on the new. 

What to Take Off:  Sexual immorality, greed, anger, lies, and malice (v. 5-9). 

These are evidence of the old life—they don’t belong to your new identity. 

What to Put On:  Compassion, kindness, humility, patience, and love (v. 12-14). 

These are evidence of Christ in you—they show the world you’re different. 

"The gospel doesn’t just forbid bad habits—it replaces them with better ones." (Tim Keller) 

3. Live Like You Belong to Christ (Col. 3:15-25)  

Your new identity changes everything—how you work, worship, and relate to others. 

At Home:  

Wives respect husbands (not out of oppression, but as unto the Lord). 

Husbands love sacrificially (not harshly, as Christ loves the Church). 

Children obey parents (not grudgingly, but to honor God). 

At Work:  

Employees work with integrity (knowing God is their real boss). 

Employers treat workers fairly (remembering they serve Christ too). 

In Life:  

Let God’s Word dwell in you richly (v. 16). 

Do everything in Jesus’ name (v. 17). 

Final Thought: A Radical Shift  Michael Oher’s life changed because he was given a new family. As believers, we’ve been given a new identity in Christ—one that reshapes our actions, relationships, and purpose. 

Reflection Questions: 

What "old clothes" (habits, mindsets) do you need to take off? 

What "new clothes" (Christlike virtues) do you need to put on? 

How can you live today as someone who belongs to Jesus? 

"Whatever you do, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus." (Colossians 3:17)