Col 3 | MHM | STEP | The Spiritual Life After explaining our freedom from the old ceremonial laws and the blessings we have in Christ, Paul now teaches us how to live as Christians. Even though we are free from the law, we should not live carelessly. Instead, because we have new life in Christ, we must focus on heavenly things and live in a way that pleases God. Paul encourages the Colossians to set their hearts on heaven and to remember that their real lives are now connected to Christ, who is in glory. v. 1 : Paul starts by saying, If you then have risen with Christ, seek those things which are above (Colossians 3:1 ). This means that, because we are united with Jesus in His resurrection, we should care most about heavenly things, not earthly things. Christ is now at the right hand of God, and He has gone before us to prepare a place for us. Our goal should be to seek God’s favor and live for Him.

‏ Colossians 3

The Spiritual Life

After explaining our freedom from the old ceremonial laws and the blessings we have in Christ, Paul now teaches us how to live as Christians. Even though we are free from the law, we should not live carelessly. Instead, because we have new life in Christ, we must focus on heavenly things and live in a way that pleases God. Paul encourages the Colossians to set their hearts on heaven and to remember that their real lives are now connected to Christ, who is in glory.

v. 1: Paul starts by saying, If you then have risen with Christ, seek those things which are above (Colossians 3:1 ^a). This means that, because we are united with Jesus in His resurrection, we should care most about heavenly things, not earthly things. Christ is now at the right hand of God, and He has gone before us to prepare a place for us. Our goal should be to seek God’s favor and live for Him.

v. 2: Paul explains further, Set your affections on things above, not on things on the earth (Colossians 3:2 ^b). We should love and desire heavenly things. This means thinking more about eternal life and less about temporary pleasures. As David said, One thing have I asked of the Lord, that will I seek after (Psalm 27:4 ^c). We cannot love both heaven and earth equally, because our strongest love will always win our hearts.

v. 3: Paul gives a reason for this: You are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God (Colossians 3:3 ^d). Christians are dead to the world and its pleasures. We live for Christ now, and the real source of our new life is hidden in Him. Our greatest blessings are not seen yet, but are safe with Jesus in heaven. As Christ said, Because I live, you shall live also (John 14:19 ^e).

v. 4: Finally, Paul says, When Christ, who is our life, shall appear, then shall you also appear with him in glory (Colossians 3:4 ^f). Christ is the true source of our life. One day, He will return in glory, and all believers will be with Him and share in His glory. This is our great hope and the reason we should focus on heaven, not on things of this world (John 17:24; 2 Thessalonians 1:10 ^g).

Necessity of Mortifying Sin

Paul now teaches the Colossians that to truly seek heavenly things, they must put sinful desires to death. These sinful habits pull believers away from God. Paul calls them to fight against sin as if they are fighting a dangerous enemy. This is an important part of living the new life in Christ.

v. 5: Paul urges, Mortify therefore your members which are upon the earth (Colossians 3:5 ^h). This means to put to death the sinful parts of ourselves, like bad habits and selfish desires. He lists sins such as fornication, uncleanness, evil passions, and lustful thoughts. These are things that controlled many before they became Christians, but now must be rejected.

Paul also warns against covetousness, calling it idolatry. Wanting too much of the things of this world is like worshiping a false god. True believers must be careful not to let a love of money or possessions take God’s place in their hearts (Colossians 3:5 ⁱ).

v. 6: Paul explains that these sins bring God’s anger: For which things' sake the wrath of God comes on the children of disobedience (Colossians 3:6 ^j). People who continue in disobedience are under God’s judgment. This is a serious warning to turn away from sin and live in obedience to God.

v. 7: He reminds the Colossians that they once lived in these sins: In which you also walked some time, when you lived in them (Colossians 3:7 ^k). But now, as followers of Christ, they must leave these ways behind. Paul says that remembering our old sinful life should make us even more determined to change and live for Christ (1 Peter 4:3 ^l).

Necessity of Mortifying Sin

In this section, Paul continues to teach the Colossians about putting sin to death. He explains that Christians are not only to avoid sinful actions but also sinful attitudes and words. These sins are contrary to the gospel and the new life in Christ. Paul reminds them that they must live in a way that reflects their transformation through Jesus.

v. 8: Paul commands, But now you also put off all these: anger, wrath, malice (Colossians 3:8 ^m). These are sinful emotions and attitudes that destroy relationships and are opposed to the gospel. Anger and wrath are harmful, but malice is even worse because it is a settled and deliberate desire to harm others. These emotions must be removed from a Christian’s life.

Paul also warns against sins of speech, such as blasphemy, which here means speaking badly about others, and filthy communication, which refers to dirty or inappropriate language. These words come from a corrupt heart and can harm both the speaker and the listener. Christians must avoid such harmful speech.

v. 9: Paul says, Lie not one to another . Lying is both unkind and unjust. It damages trust and relationships, making it impossible to build true friendship. Lying reflects the devil’s nature, as he is the father of lies (John 8:44 ⁿ). Christians, who have put off the old sinful nature and put on the new, should instead live truthfully.

v. 10: Paul explains that the new man is renewed in knowledge after the image of him who created him (Colossians 3:10 ^o). This means that through Christ, Christians are being restored to the image of God, which was lost through sin. As God’s grace renews the mind and heart, believers grow in understanding and live according to His will. Just as light was the first part of creation, knowledge and truth are the foundation of the new life in Christ.

v. 11: Paul declares that in Christ, there is neither Greek nor Jew, circumcision nor uncircumcision, Barbarian, Scythian, bond nor free (Colossians 3:11 ^p). This means that all believers are equal before God, no matter their culture, background, or social status. Christ has broken down all divisions, and everyone has the same duty to live a holy life and the same privilege to receive God’s grace.

Finally, Paul says, Christ is all, and in all . Jesus is everything to Christians. He is their Lord, Savior, and source of hope and joy. For all who are sanctified, Christ is their beginning, their end, and everything in between. He is the center of their lives and the reason for their transformation.

Love Recommended

Paul encourages the Colossians to live in love and compassion. He reminds them that being a Christian is not just about avoiding sin but also about actively doing good. They are called to reflect God’s love in their relationships with others by showing kindness, humility, patience, and forgiveness. These virtues are essential for living as God’s chosen people.

v. 12: Paul says, Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercy (Colossians 3:12 ^q). Christians are chosen by God, made holy, and deeply loved by Him. Because of this, they should live in a way that reflects their calling. Paul lists virtues they must “put on,” like clothing: compassion (showing mercy to those in need), kindness (a gentle and caring attitude), humility (thinking of others before oneself), meekness (being patient and gentle when wronged), and long-suffering (enduring difficulties and offenses without giving up).

v. 13: Paul adds, Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any (Colossians 3:13 ^r). Christians must be patient with each other’s weaknesses and quick to forgive. Quarrels and disagreements will happen, but believers are called to let go of grudges. Paul reminds them to forgive others just as Christ has forgiven them. This reflects Jesus’ teaching: Forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us (Matthew 6:12 ^s).

v. 14: Above all, Paul says, Put on charity, which is the bond of perfectness (Colossians 3:14 ^t). Charity, or love, is the most important virtue. It binds all the other virtues together and creates unity among believers. Love is the mark of a true Christian and the foundation of all good relationships. As Peter writes, Add to brotherly kindness charity (2 Peter 1:7 ^u).

v. 15: Paul continues, Let the peace of God rule in your hearts (Colossians 3:15 ^v). This peace comes from knowing that God is at peace with us through Christ. It should guide our actions and help us live in harmony with others. Christians are called to be one body, united in peace. Paul also reminds them to be thankful, as gratitude helps maintain a peaceful and joyful spirit.

v. 16: Paul urges, Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom (Colossians 3:16 ^w). The gospel should live in their hearts, guiding their thoughts and actions. They should use it to teach and encourage one another, even through singing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs. Singing is both a way to praise God and to teach and inspire others. However, it must be done with grace and sincerity, making melody in their hearts to the Lord.

v. 17: Finally, Paul says, Whatsoever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus (Colossians 3:17 ^x). Everything Christians do should be done to honor Christ, relying on His strength and seeking His glory. They should also give thanks to God the Father through Jesus, who is the mediator of their prayers and praises. Gratitude should be a constant part of their lives, as Paul writes, Giving thanks always for all things (Ephesians 5:20 ^y).

Relative Duties

Paul finishes this chapter by teaching about the duties people have in their families and workplaces. He shows that the Christian faith is not just about spiritual beliefs, but also about how we treat each other in everyday life. These instructions are for husbands and wives, parents and children, and servants and masters. Paul reminds us that both privileges and duties are important in the Christian life.

v. 18: Paul begins with wives, saying, Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as it is fit in the Lord (Colossians 3:18 ^z). This means wives should respect and willingly follow their husbands’ leadership, not as to a harsh ruler, but as part of God’s order in the family (Ephesians 5:24 ^aa). This does not mean inequality, but a loving partnership under God.

v. 19: Paul commands husbands: Husbands, love your wives, and be not bitter against them . Husbands should love their wives with kindness and faithfulness, just as Christ loves the church (Ephesians 5:25 ^ab). They must not treat their wives harshly or speak unkindly to them, but be gentle and caring.

v. 20: He instructs children: Children, obey your parents in all things, for this is well pleasing unto the Lord (Colossians 3:20 ^ac). Children should listen to their parents and do what they say. This pleases God and is the first commandment with a promise—those who honor their parents are promised a good and long life (Ephesians 6:2 ^ad).

v. 21: Paul speaks to fathers: Fathers, provoke not your children to anger, lest they be discouraged (Colossians 3:21 ^ae). Parents must not be too strict or harsh, which can make children lose heart. Instead, they should guide their children with patience and love, so their children feel encouraged to do what is right (Ephesians 6:4 ^af).

v. 22: Paul addresses servants: Servants, obey in all things your masters according to the flesh (Colossians 3:22 ^ag). Servants should do their work honestly and faithfully, not only when their masters are watching, but all the time. They should work with sincere hearts, because they fear and respect God above all.

v. 23: He adds, And whatsoever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men (Colossians 3:23 ^ah). All work should be done with enthusiasm and care, as if working for God, not just for people.

v. 24: Paul says, Knowing that of the Lord you shall receive the reward of the inheritance, for you serve the Lord Christ (Colossians 3:24 ^ai). Faithful servants can look forward to a reward from God, who sees their hard work. Serving in everyday life is also serving Christ.

v. 25: Finally, he warns, But he that doeth wrong shall receive for the wrong which he hath done, and there is no respect of persons (Colossians 3:25 ^aj). God is fair and just. He will reward good and punish wrong, no matter a person’s position or status. All people are equal before God.

Paul’s teaching applies to all situations, even when family members are of different faiths. If everyone followed these instructions, the world would be a kinder and more just place, and God’s love would be seen in every relationship.