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Hidden in Christ: Living as God's Beloved
Hidden in Christ
224 pages, Paperback
First published May 1, 2013
77 people are currently reading
355 people want to read
About the author
James Bryan Smith
41 books182 followersJames Bryan Smith (M.Div., Yale University Divinity School, D.Min., Fuller Seminary) is a theology professor at Friends University in Wichita, KS and a writer and speaker in the area of Christian spiritual formation. He also serves as the director of the Aprentis Institute for Christian Spiritual Formation at Friends University.
A founding member of Richard J. Foster's spiritual renewal ministry, Renovaré Smith is an ordained United Methodist Church minister and has served in various capacities in local churches. Smith is also the author of A Spiritual Formation Workbook, Devotional Classics (with Richard Foster), Embracing the Love of God, Rich Mullins: An Arrow Pointing to Heaven and Room of Marvels.
A founding member of Richard J. Foster's spiritual renewal ministry, Renovaré Smith is an ordained United Methodist Church minister and has served in various capacities in local churches. Smith is also the author of A Spiritual Formation Workbook, Devotional Classics (with Richard Foster), Embracing the Love of God, Rich Mullins: An Arrow Pointing to Heaven and Room of Marvels.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews
March 22, 2014
No question, the book is solid. It makes great devotional reading, and encourages you to slow down as you engage the deeper meaning of the text. I struggled between 3 and 4 stars. The content is good, but it just didn't move me in the way many other similar books do. I found myself pushing to get through it, rather than savoring it as I went. I would still recommend it, but it was not a favorite for me.
August 14, 2019
Summary: Thirty short reflections on different key words found in Colossians 3:1-17 on what it means to be "in" Christ.
A number of years ago, I had the chance to go through James Bryan Smith's The Good and Beautiful God (review) with a group. Perhaps one of the most challenging and rewarding parts of this study was memorizing Colossians 3:1-17 together, a verse or two each week, forcing us to really meditate on each word of the text. The first three verses of this text are as follows:
Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God. (Colossians 3:1-3, NIV)
The title of this work draws on verse 3, and one of the themes Smith explores is what it means for us to live in Christ. Above all, it means to live as God's "holy and dearly loved" people, (verse 12). In this pocket-sized work, James Bryan Smith leads us through a kind of lectio divina on this text in Colossians, focusing successively in 30 chapters on key words found in the text, offering short reflections on each one. For example, the first five are drawn from the verses above: raised, with, seated, set, hidden. As he considers the word "set" in verse 2, he offers these reflections:
When it comes down to it, living the Christian life is simply a matter of where we set our minds. Every waking moment we have a choice about where, and on what, we will set our minds. That is something we are free to do. Having been raised with Christ and forgiven forever, and having Jesus with us in all we do, the primary practice of living as a Christian boils down to what we think about, what we dwell on, what values we keep before our minds, what truths (or lies) we have in our consciousness. (p. 37).
In addition to these brief reflections, there are sections about "Living into the Truth," an "Affirmation" which is a brief statement summarizing the key truth represented by the word, a "Prayer," and finally questions for "Reflection." The short chapters and focus on a single word make this an ideal devotional resource that could be used over a month, or perhaps once a week for thirty weeks. There is also a group discussion guide at the back of the book for a five week discussion using six chapters each week.
In addition, this little book is a good introduction to the ideas in the Apprentice Series by the same author--or perhaps in my case, a good refresher. Recently, a paperback version of the book has been released, making it available at a lower price. What Smith models for us is the slow, reflective opening of ourselves to the message of scripture we often pass by in our instant-everything world. When we omit these practices, we do not gain time but lose the chance to hear God's assurances of our belovedness.
A number of years ago, I had the chance to go through James Bryan Smith's The Good and Beautiful God (review) with a group. Perhaps one of the most challenging and rewarding parts of this study was memorizing Colossians 3:1-17 together, a verse or two each week, forcing us to really meditate on each word of the text. The first three verses of this text are as follows:
Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God. (Colossians 3:1-3, NIV)
The title of this work draws on verse 3, and one of the themes Smith explores is what it means for us to live in Christ. Above all, it means to live as God's "holy and dearly loved" people, (verse 12). In this pocket-sized work, James Bryan Smith leads us through a kind of lectio divina on this text in Colossians, focusing successively in 30 chapters on key words found in the text, offering short reflections on each one. For example, the first five are drawn from the verses above: raised, with, seated, set, hidden. As he considers the word "set" in verse 2, he offers these reflections:
When it comes down to it, living the Christian life is simply a matter of where we set our minds. Every waking moment we have a choice about where, and on what, we will set our minds. That is something we are free to do. Having been raised with Christ and forgiven forever, and having Jesus with us in all we do, the primary practice of living as a Christian boils down to what we think about, what we dwell on, what values we keep before our minds, what truths (or lies) we have in our consciousness. (p. 37).
In addition to these brief reflections, there are sections about "Living into the Truth," an "Affirmation" which is a brief statement summarizing the key truth represented by the word, a "Prayer," and finally questions for "Reflection." The short chapters and focus on a single word make this an ideal devotional resource that could be used over a month, or perhaps once a week for thirty weeks. There is also a group discussion guide at the back of the book for a five week discussion using six chapters each week.
In addition, this little book is a good introduction to the ideas in the Apprentice Series by the same author--or perhaps in my case, a good refresher. Recently, a paperback version of the book has been released, making it available at a lower price. What Smith models for us is the slow, reflective opening of ourselves to the message of scripture we often pass by in our instant-everything world. When we omit these practices, we do not gain time but lose the chance to hear God's assurances of our belovedness.
November 30, 2015
Colossians 3:3 has been one of my favourite verses for many years so when I discovered there was a book that helped one better understand what "being hidden in Christ" means, I quickly purchased it.
From the beginning, Smith explains how significant the first 17 verses of Chapter 3 have been for him and also how memorising them helped its truths sink in and "dwell richly" within him. Accordingly, he encourages the reader to also memorise the 17 verses. The book is structured as a 30 day devotional which allows you to do just that, put the verses to memory and I'm pleased to say having now finished it I can recite those 17 verses.
Memorising is one thing, but more important is the dwell richly part. Each chapter provides a short three to five page reflection on one of the key words of the particular verse for that day. So, for example, Day 5 covers "For you died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God." Smith explores the word "hidden" and provides his interpretation.
Each chapter then ends with a suggestion for applying the truth he's explored, an Affirmation of that truth, a Prayer and a question for personal reflection.
I found this book to be of tremendous benefit to better understanding what it means to be God's chosen, holy and dearly loved, and how to apply these verses to living each day. And it's a great way of learning to memorise a passage of Scripture, a verse per day over 30 days.
This would be an excellent resource for when studying Colossians, specifically Chapter 3, and I expect I'll be referring to it again and again.
From the beginning, Smith explains how significant the first 17 verses of Chapter 3 have been for him and also how memorising them helped its truths sink in and "dwell richly" within him. Accordingly, he encourages the reader to also memorise the 17 verses. The book is structured as a 30 day devotional which allows you to do just that, put the verses to memory and I'm pleased to say having now finished it I can recite those 17 verses.
Memorising is one thing, but more important is the dwell richly part. Each chapter provides a short three to five page reflection on one of the key words of the particular verse for that day. So, for example, Day 5 covers "For you died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God." Smith explores the word "hidden" and provides his interpretation.
Each chapter then ends with a suggestion for applying the truth he's explored, an Affirmation of that truth, a Prayer and a question for personal reflection.
I found this book to be of tremendous benefit to better understanding what it means to be God's chosen, holy and dearly loved, and how to apply these verses to living each day. And it's a great way of learning to memorise a passage of Scripture, a verse per day over 30 days.
This would be an excellent resource for when studying Colossians, specifically Chapter 3, and I expect I'll be referring to it again and again.
July 18, 2013
I remember the first time I really fell in love with the book of Colossians. I was on a planning team for a regional youth event for my denomination in the northwestern part of the United States. And as the team that was planning the event, we decided to use Colossians 3 as our theme passage. We actually used the text from The Message, which seemed to strike me especially powerfully. The first two verses say,
"So if you’re serious about living this new resurrection life with Christ, act like it. Pursue the things over which Christ presides. Don’t shuffle along, eyes to the ground, absorbed with the things right in front of you. Look up, and be alert to what is going on around Christ—that’s where the action is. See things from his perspective." (Col. 3:1-2 MSG)
After this conference, I would return to this passage again. And, indeed to the whole book. I would remember my childhood preacher speaking about all of the "alls" in Colossians 1, and I would be moved.
As I got to be a preacher, and I wanted to speak to my congregation about the power of Christ, and the centrality of Christ in the life of the Church, I very quickly moved to the book of Colossians.
Most of chapter 1 and chapter 2 of Colossans teach about the power of Christ. In Chapter 3, the book makes a meaningful transition. Colossians Chapter 3 begins to teach about how to live in the grace and power of Christ as a believer. It is fitting then, as James Bryan Smith begins to teach more about how to live in Christ, that he creates a meditation on the truths that are contained in Colossians 3:1-17.
Hidden in Christ is a devotional really, but a devotional that really packs a punch. In this book Dr. Smith takes 30 words or phrases in seventeen short verses that bring out a truth that believers are called to live in.
This book is wisely organized. In each chapter, there are some thoughts on the truth that is communicated by each small word. Then there is an "affirmation" or a sentence to meditate on that helps the reader take the truth of the passage with them through the day or week. Sometimes another spiritual practice is included. A prayer is added at the end of each chapter to help believers pray the truth into their lives, and then there are some brief thoughts and questions to reflect on. I have been reading a chapter a day, but the book could easily be used for a once a week devotional as well.
I have been eagerly anticipating the next book from James Bryan Smith for months. This book is well worth the wait. It is a book you can read over and over again, and get more out of it as you go. And it is a book, that if you take it seriously, can change your heart and move you to worship.
"So if you’re serious about living this new resurrection life with Christ, act like it. Pursue the things over which Christ presides. Don’t shuffle along, eyes to the ground, absorbed with the things right in front of you. Look up, and be alert to what is going on around Christ—that’s where the action is. See things from his perspective." (Col. 3:1-2 MSG)
After this conference, I would return to this passage again. And, indeed to the whole book. I would remember my childhood preacher speaking about all of the "alls" in Colossians 1, and I would be moved.
As I got to be a preacher, and I wanted to speak to my congregation about the power of Christ, and the centrality of Christ in the life of the Church, I very quickly moved to the book of Colossians.
Most of chapter 1 and chapter 2 of Colossans teach about the power of Christ. In Chapter 3, the book makes a meaningful transition. Colossians Chapter 3 begins to teach about how to live in the grace and power of Christ as a believer. It is fitting then, as James Bryan Smith begins to teach more about how to live in Christ, that he creates a meditation on the truths that are contained in Colossians 3:1-17.
Hidden in Christ is a devotional really, but a devotional that really packs a punch. In this book Dr. Smith takes 30 words or phrases in seventeen short verses that bring out a truth that believers are called to live in.
This book is wisely organized. In each chapter, there are some thoughts on the truth that is communicated by each small word. Then there is an "affirmation" or a sentence to meditate on that helps the reader take the truth of the passage with them through the day or week. Sometimes another spiritual practice is included. A prayer is added at the end of each chapter to help believers pray the truth into their lives, and then there are some brief thoughts and questions to reflect on. I have been reading a chapter a day, but the book could easily be used for a once a week devotional as well.
I have been eagerly anticipating the next book from James Bryan Smith for months. This book is well worth the wait. It is a book you can read over and over again, and get more out of it as you go. And it is a book, that if you take it seriously, can change your heart and move you to worship.
February 18, 2019
I loved this small book covering Colossians 3:1-17, a rich passage of scripture.
October 16, 2020
This book was fantastic! I loved the format of how it was a short couple pages a day/week, and each chunk of verses had a prayer, meditation, and "action items" to do for the day/week. Such a good read. Definitely would read again in my lifetime. A great devotional book.
July 17, 2022
An interesting account of life as a believer with some great meditations and thought provoking questions. The book features anecdotes from the author about their life as a Christian and their experience with faith and as a member of the church as a whole. The sections on gratitude and faith are particularly useful.
January 29, 2025
Update: 12 years later and this book is still as wonderful as it was upon the first read. I'm 12 years further on my spiritual journey and still found new insights and encouraging application. I stand by my below read, and if anything, even more so now.
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I very much dislike devotion books. They are often trite, hermeneutically unsound, and rarely do much to stimulate my spiritual walk. So when I say that this book was amazing, you need to listen.
I bought it because the title captured my attention and I love Colossians 3. It was better than I expected.
In each of the 30 sections, Smith takes a word from Colossians 3 and highlights its importance in the life of the believer. The style of each chapter is much like most modern devotion books - a story to illustrate a deeper spiritual meaning - but Smith writes with skill. The stories are often true-life illustrations and certainly not trite. His exposition of the text, the words, and spiritual truths is masterful. Theologically, his focus is on the work of Christ and how we are to live in our new identity as those who now belong to Him. There weren't any places where I felt like the author was deviating from Biblical truths.
At the end of each chapter are prayers, affirmations, and activities to apply the truth he's expounded upon. The best part is the one or two questions that end each chapter - they are skillfully crafted questions and often made me stop and evaluate where my spiritual walk was.
As someone who has been walking with Jesus for a long time, I was very much refreshed by this book - but also would give it to a young believer to give them some "roots" for their journey. I might even use it in a small group in the future, as there is a group study guide [with questions and activities] in the back.
If you are an older believer looking for something different to use in your quiet time or a new believer looking for a solid Jesus-centered study, you should definitely buy [and highlight and underline] this book.
----
I very much dislike devotion books. They are often trite, hermeneutically unsound, and rarely do much to stimulate my spiritual walk. So when I say that this book was amazing, you need to listen.
I bought it because the title captured my attention and I love Colossians 3. It was better than I expected.
In each of the 30 sections, Smith takes a word from Colossians 3 and highlights its importance in the life of the believer. The style of each chapter is much like most modern devotion books - a story to illustrate a deeper spiritual meaning - but Smith writes with skill. The stories are often true-life illustrations and certainly not trite. His exposition of the text, the words, and spiritual truths is masterful. Theologically, his focus is on the work of Christ and how we are to live in our new identity as those who now belong to Him. There weren't any places where I felt like the author was deviating from Biblical truths.
At the end of each chapter are prayers, affirmations, and activities to apply the truth he's expounded upon. The best part is the one or two questions that end each chapter - they are skillfully crafted questions and often made me stop and evaluate where my spiritual walk was.
As someone who has been walking with Jesus for a long time, I was very much refreshed by this book - but also would give it to a young believer to give them some "roots" for their journey. I might even use it in a small group in the future, as there is a group study guide [with questions and activities] in the back.
If you are an older believer looking for something different to use in your quiet time or a new believer looking for a solid Jesus-centered study, you should definitely buy [and highlight and underline] this book.
January 1, 2015
I read about half of this and discussed the chapters in a small men's group. I honestly did not feel like I got much out of it and found the stories in each short chapter to be pretty cheesy and not that helpful. I also felt that having a chapter on each word or short phrase in this passage of scripture gave the author too much flexibility to talk about whatever he wanted and stray from the actual point Paul was trying to make in the text.
We decided to stop half way through and just go through a book of the Bible and discuss. I don't want to be too negative and I did not strongly disagree with anything written, it just wasn't for me.
We decided to stop half way through and just go through a book of the Bible and discuss. I don't want to be too negative and I did not strongly disagree with anything written, it just wasn't for me.
April 29, 2020
Author James Bryan Smith spoke at our church's women's retreat in April. He is a gifted speaker and a great writer. This book was recommended by our Director of Women's Ministries and focuses on Colossians 3: 1-17. Each chapter delves into an idea or phrase from the passage and includes both simple exercises and reflection questions. A discussion guide is included that makes this book a great basis for a group bible study.
October 28, 2018
A 30 day, or 30 week, depending on how long someone decides to take, devotional based in Colossians 3 verses 1 to 17. Each chapter focuses on a different section or word that includes an activity, prayer and spoken affirmation on the teaching from that chapter. Lots of good stuff on here as well as a potential group discussion for those who would want to go through this with others.
December 22, 2025
To put it very plainly, this book was boring... to me. Like many books i read i am certainly not the target audience, i am not christian.. i just like to be wholly educated and i find religious studies interesting. (Plus I am making my own fictional religion of sorts and thought it'd be helpful.)
It is oddly motivational at parts, i've always found the bible good grounds for self improvement even if i am not exactly religious, this book is helpful for those who feel the same way or those who struggle to grasp the bible properly, a bite-sized bible if you will with details on a specific text to study. The language is simple enough, too, so it can be for teens or adults.
That said it is a little heavy handed with the whole "everything is about how jesus is resurrected" thing, because not everything can be simplified to such.
I saw that many other people were extremely neutral on this book, it isn't life changing it just kinda exists. People found it too cheesy, I personally found it grating. It is so repetitive (even if the point can be made that that IS the point of said book) that i dreaded reading it for my daily reading.
It was just the author somehow warping every life experience to be about God, twisting his words around until eventually it had nothing to do with the original statement. There are a lot of stupid similes, but it is OK for people who do gratitude journaling, if you pick and choose the parts about God and/or the bible.
It is oddly motivational at parts, i've always found the bible good grounds for self improvement even if i am not exactly religious, this book is helpful for those who feel the same way or those who struggle to grasp the bible properly, a bite-sized bible if you will with details on a specific text to study. The language is simple enough, too, so it can be for teens or adults.
That said it is a little heavy handed with the whole "everything is about how jesus is resurrected" thing, because not everything can be simplified to such.
I saw that many other people were extremely neutral on this book, it isn't life changing it just kinda exists. People found it too cheesy, I personally found it grating. It is so repetitive (even if the point can be made that that IS the point of said book) that i dreaded reading it for my daily reading.
It was just the author somehow warping every life experience to be about God, twisting his words around until eventually it had nothing to do with the original statement. There are a lot of stupid similes, but it is OK for people who do gratitude journaling, if you pick and choose the parts about God and/or the bible.
November 5, 2021
This book breaks down Paul’s letter to the Colossians, Chapter 3:1-17. It was a helpful companion to our Bible Study of Colossians. At first I wondered why the author, James Bryan Smith, singled out this section of Paul’s letter. Now I understand that this passage is a beautiful description of what it means to have our lives hidden in Christ. It provides the instruction we need to be a Christian…love God and “love others in the same way that God loves me: with patience, kindness, and keeping no record of wrongs.”
September 26, 2025
Clearly and simply articulated about how one might follow Christ or continue to follow in His footsteps. Discussions of love, meaning, and ending a prayer in Jesus' name were impactful. A reflective collection that draws you into the discovery of Christ at the center and origin of our livelihoods. Prompted questions, prayers, and guidance; this book serves as a mentoring figure in those on their journey with Christ and His likeness.
September 27, 2019
Really enjoyed this one - so many hidden nuggets. First book I've read of Smith's and I want to read more now. Probably will invest in this one since it was too short of a library loan to take it all in like I would have liked even though I renewed it twice!
May 13, 2017
Conscience and powerful insights
February 23, 2020
I enjoyed this book as a daily devotional. It would also be nice for a group study and included discussion questions.
April 10, 2020
The author digs right into the Colossians passage and highlights every point. So practical and so pointedly.
Read
August 5, 2020an ok 30-day devotion book on Colossians 3.
If you like short stories, you might like it. If not, it may not be for you. (Who doesn't like Colossians tho.)
If you like short stories, you might like it. If not, it may not be for you. (Who doesn't like Colossians tho.)
April 21, 2021
The part he addresses how we ought to see our past, the old self, and the new us is a huge highlight to me.
October 16, 2021
Excellent book! I highly recommend anything by James Bryan Smith. I read this one twice.
February 11, 2022
Helpful reminders. Some flimflam.
October 1, 2022
Loved it!
December 17, 2022
A solid but not particularly revolutionary Bible study. Great for small groups.
August 15, 2023
Insightful.
Very helpful in understanding scripture and faith.
Thank God for the author and this book.
Very helpful in understanding scripture and faith.
Thank God for the author and this book.
September 19, 2023
One of the best devotional/study books I’ve ever used in my personal devotions. Would highly recommend.
January 31, 2024
had some good wisdom that i needed on certain days so i loved that, just wish i had ended up reading it all the days
March 15, 2015
Hidden in Christ: Living as God's Beloved contains 30 short chapters, each focusing on single words from Colossians 3, including “raised, hidden, wrath, knowledge, with, once, seated.” The chapters contain commentary encouraging the reader to grow in understanding the gospel and a believer's identity in Christ and how to live out the gospel in relation to others on a daily basis. Each chapter also contains an affirmation of a Biblical principle, followed by a prayer of application, and a section for reflection. This book is good for the individual reader, but would be outstanding for group use, which is how Smith tested it originally. Smith’s writing is very readable, and he is very candid about his own spiritual journey. I've already reread several chapters as I too absorb the significance of ordinary words.
July 26, 2016
At first I was disappointed with Hidden in Christ. Having done some study of Colossians, and especially loving chapter 3, I anticipated more context and a grander vision. Instead, Smith gave me 30 chapters, each based on one word from the text. Each brief chapter contained anecdote and ranged widely in Scripture, sometimes, perhaps, losing what I thought was distinctive to Colossians. But in the end this book was wonderful when I finally realized what it was. It is a great devotional text focusing so well on the indwelling Christ, on sin, on love and thankfulness. It comes to a point in almost every chapter and I really liked the short sections at the end of the chapters: living the truth, prayer, and the sharp reflection question.
May 16, 2020
This is a book of devotionals based on select words found in Colossians 3:1-17, one of my long-time favourite passages of Scripture. Each chapter hones in on the rich meanings of words carefully chosen by the Apostle Paul, and I found that Dr. Smith's insights repeatedly brought the words home to my personal context so that I could better experience the reality that Paul intended for his readers to realize in their everyday lives as they reflected on this passage. It's another of those books you want to start reading again as soon as you complete it!
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