Bible study on new creation

What a wonderful topic! Here's a Bible study on the New Creation:

Introduction

The Bible teaches that God created the world and everything in it (Genesis 1:1-31). However, due to sin, the world and humanity are now under a curse (Genesis 3:14-19). But God has a plan to redeem and restore creation, and this is the concept of the New Creation.

Scripture

• 2 Corinthians 5:17-18 - "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here! All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation."
• Revelation 21:1-5 - "Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and there was no longer any sea. I saw the Holy City, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride beautifully dressed for her husband. And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, 'Look! God's dwelling place is now among the humans, and he will dwell with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God. He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.'"
• Colossians 1:15-20 - "The Son is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. For in him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things have been created through him and for him. He is before all things, and in him all things hold together. And he is the head of the body, the church; he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead, so that in everything he might have the supremacy. For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him, and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether things on earth or things in heaven, by making peace through his blood, shed on the cross."

Discussion Questions

1. What does it mean to be a "new creation" in Christ? How does this relate to our old selves?
2. How does the concept of the New Creation relate to the idea of redemption and restoration?
3. What does the New Creation look like in Revelation 21:1-5? What are some of the key characteristics of this new world?
4. How does Colossians 1:15-20 describe the relationship between Christ and creation? What does this say about the purpose of Christ's work on the cross?
5. How can we live as if we are already in the New Creation, even though we are still in this old world?

Practical Application

1. Reflect on your own life and how you have been transformed by Christ. How has your old self been replaced by a new self?
2. Pray for the world and for the people in it, asking God to bring about the New Creation and to restore all things to Himself.
3. Consider how you can live in a way that reflects the characteristics of the New Creation, such as living in harmony with others, showing kindness and compassion, and seeking to bring peace and reconciliation.
4. Ask God to help you see the world through the lens of the New Creation, and to give you a vision for the kind of world He desires to bring about.

Conclusion

The New Creation is a beautiful and powerful concept that reminds us of God's plan to redeem and restore all things to Himself. As we study this topic, may we be encouraged to live in a way that reflects the characteristics of the New Creation, and may we pray for the world and for the people in it, asking God to bring about the New Creation and to restore all things to Himself.