(a) Outline the qualities of a New Life in Christ as contained in Paul's letter to the Colossians. [11 marks] (b) List four qualities of a genuine Christian...

(a) The qualities of the New Life in Christ (Colossians 3:1-17)

Paul teaches that those raised with Christ must seek the things above and put off the old self, clothing themselves with a new character.

• Put to death earthly vices. Believers must put to death sexual immorality, impurity, passion, evil desire and covetousness, which is idolatry.
• Put away sins of speech and temper. They must rid themselves of anger, wrath, malice, slander and foul talk, and not lie to one another.
• Put on compassion and kindness. As God's chosen ones, holy and beloved, they should clothe themselves with compassion, kindness, humility, meekness and patience.
• Forbearance and forgiveness. They must bear with one another and forgive each other, as the Lord has forgiven them.
• Love above all. Above these they must put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony.
• Peace and thankfulness. The peace of Christ should rule in their hearts, and they should be thankful.
• The word of Christ and worship. The word of Christ should dwell in them richly, teaching and admonishing one another in psalms, hymns and spiritual songs.
• Doing all in Christ's name. Whatever they do in word or deed, they should do in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.

(b) Four qualities of a genuine Christian

1. Love and compassion toward others.
2. Honesty and truthfulness.
3. Humility and patience.
4. A forgiving and peaceable spirit.