Colossians 3:1 to 3:17 Whatever we do in word or deed, we do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, rooting our future careers, academic callings, and adult relationships in the supremacy of Christ. Analyze the foundational gospel reality of having died with Christ and being raised to new life in Colossians 3:1 to 4. Examine the practical metaphor of stripping off the old clothes and putting on the virtues of Christ. Commit upcoming college transitions, career aspirations, and adult decisions to the complete lordship of Jesus Christ. Writing to believers in [Colossae](/bible/explorer/place/colossae), Paul exalts the cosmic preeminence of Jesus Christ. In chapter 3, he explains how Christ's lordship directly directs everyday choices, speech, work, and community. Set Your Mind on Things Above Paul provides the ultimate launchpad for youth stepping into adulthood: 'If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth. For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. When Christ who is your life appears, then you also will appear with him in glory.' As youth prepare for college, careers, and adult responsibilities, their identity is already anchored: their life is hidden safely in Christ. Putting Off the Old, Putting On the New Paul uses the vivid picture of changing clothes: We must put to death what is earthly: sexual immorality, impurity, evil desire, greed, anger, malice, and slander. In their place, as God's chosen people, holy and beloved, we put on compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, patience, bearing with one another, and forgiving as the Lord forgave us. Above all these, we put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony. Whatever You Do, Do in the Name of Jesus Paul gives the defining mission statement for every Christian vocation: 'And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.' Whether you become an engineer, physician, teacher, artist, nurse, business owner, or minister, there is no sacred-secular divide. Every classroom, office, hospital, and dinner table is an altar of worship where Christ reigns supreme. And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. Colossians 3:17 According to Colossians 3:2 to 3, where should believers set their minds and why? On accumulating wealth, because money provides ultimate security On things above where Christ is, because we have died and our life is hidden with Christ in God On personal fame and popular acclaim Exclusively on academic degrees We set our minds on things above because our eternal life is hidden securely with Christ in God. What overarching standard does Colossians 3:17 set for all human work, speech, and actions? Do whatever brings the quickest personal profit Do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God Do only what makes people applaud you Separate your spiritual faith from your secular career Everything we do in word or deed should be done in the name of Jesus with thanksgiving to the Father. Write down your top three academic, career, or personal goals for the next five years. Pray over each one, explicitly writing under each goal: 'I submit this to the lordship of Jesus Christ, to do in his name and for his glory.' Lord Jesus Christ, you are Lord of all creation and Lord of my life. Thank you for the journey of learning through Sunday School. As I look ahead to college, work, and adulthood, I dedicate my mind, my career, my relationships, and my future to you. Let the word of Christ dwell in me richly, and whatever I do in word or deed, let it all be done in your precious name. Amen. What fears or anxieties do you face when you think about transitioning into college or adult life? How does knowing your life is 'hidden with Christ in God' give you confidence when facing uncertain future decisions? How can your future profession (medicine, engineering, teaching, business) be a direct ministry for Jesus Christ? Conclude this final Sunday School youth course with a time of intentional prayer and blessing. Remind students that graduation from Sunday School is not graduation from discipleship, but entering into lifelong ministry. Life Dedication Commissioning: Have church elders or pastors join the class to pray individually over each student, dedicating their future studies and callings to King Jesus.