
Colossians 3
Colossians 3 is a chapter that emphasizes practical Christian living, focusing on setting one's life according to heavenly rather than earthly standards. The apostle Paul encourages believers to put to death their earthly nature and put on the new self, which is renewed in knowledge after the image of its creator. This transformation leads to a life characterized by virtues like compassion, kindness, humility, meekness, patience, and above all, love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony. The chapter concludes with instructions on Christian household behavior, emphasizing the roles within a family and work environment in a way that honors God.
Colossians 3:1-10 (NKJV)
1 If then you were raised with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ is, sitting at the right hand of God.
2 Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth.
3 For you died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God.
4 When Christ who is our life appears, then you also will appear with Him in glory.
5 Therefore put to death your members which are on the earth: fornication, uncleanness, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry.
6 Because of these things the wrath of God is coming upon the sons of disobedience,
7 in which you yourselves once walked when you lived in them.
8 But now you yourselves are to put off all these: anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy language out of your mouth.
9 Do not lie to one another, since you have put off the old man with his deeds,
10 and have put on the new man who is renewed in knowledge according to the image of Him who created him,
Believers are urged to live in a way that reflects their new identity in Christ. This section starts by reminding them that their true life is now tied to Christ's heavenly existence, and therefore, their focus should be on the higher, spiritual things, not earthly concerns. The practical application involves a decisive turning away from sinful behaviors such as sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires, and greed, all of which are considered forms of idolatry. It also includes shedding behaviors like anger, wrath, malice, slander, and filthy language. The emphasis is on putting off the old self with its practices and putting on the new self, which is continuously being renewed to resemble the image of Christ.
Colossians 3:11 (NKJV)
11 where there is neither Greek nor Jew, circumcised nor uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave nor free, but Christ is all and in all.
In this new life, social distinctions that once divided people are rendered irrelevant. In Christ, there is no difference between Greek and Jew, circumcised and uncircumcised, culturally "civilized" or "uncivilized," slave or free person—all are equal in the eyes of God. This unity is because Christ embodies all qualities and roles, living within all believers regardless of their earthly status.
Colossians 3:12-14 (NKJV)
12 Therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, put on tender mercies, kindness, humility, meekness, longsuffering;
13 bearing with one another, and forgiving one another, if anyone has a complaint against another; even as Christ forgave you, so you also must do.
14 But above all these things put on love, which is the bond of perfection.
Paul lists the virtues that should characterize the lives of believers. These include compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, patience, tolerance, and forgiveness, mirroring the forgiveness they received from Christ. Above all, love is emphasized as the most important virtue, acting as a binder that holds all other virtues together and perfects the unity among believers.
Colossians 3:15-17 (NKJV)
15 And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to which also you were called in one body; and be thankful.
16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.
17 And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.
These verses encourage believers to let God's peace control their decisions and to be thankful. The community is advised to immerse themselves in Christ's teachings, using wisdom to teach and admonish one another with joyful songs and hymns. Every action, whether spoken or done, should be performed in Jesus' name, with continual gratitude to God the Father. This holistic approach integrates one's faith deeply into every aspect of life.
Colossians 3:18-21 (NKJV)
18 Wives, submit to your own husbands, as is fitting in the Lord.
19 Husbands, love your wives and do not be bitter toward them.
20 Children, obey your parents in all things, for this is well pleasing to the Lord.
21 Fathers, do not provoke your children, lest they become discouraged.
Paul emphasizes the importance of maintaining Christ-centered relationships within the family, rooted in love, respect, and duty. Wives are encouraged to submit to their husbands, not as an act of inferiority, but as a willing choice in harmony with God's design for order and unity in the home. Husbands are called to love their wives selflessly and avoid harshness, reflecting Christ’s love for the church. Children are instructed to obey their parents, which pleases God and fosters harmony, while fathers are warned not to provoke their children, encouraging a nurturing environment that cultivates respect and godliness. For example, a father guiding his child with patience and love instead of criticism helps build trust and faithfulness in the family.
Colossians 3:22-25 (NKJV)
22 Bondservants, obey in all things your masters according to the flesh, not with eyeservice, as men-pleasers, but in sincerity of heart, fearing God.
23 And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men,
24 knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance; for you serve the Lord Christ.
25 But he who does wrong will be repaid for what he has done, and there is no partiality.
This passage teaches the importance of sincerity, integrity, and diligence in all work, viewing it as service to God rather than merely to human masters. Servants (or employees in a modern sense) are called to obey and work not just for appearances or to please people, but with a genuine heart, fearing God. This highlights that God sees all efforts, even those unnoticed by others, and rewards faithfulness. Similarly, wrongdoers will face consequences, showing God’s impartial justice. For instance, an employee working diligently and honestly, even without supervision or recognition, exemplifies serving "as to the Lord" and trusting that their ultimate reward comes from Him.