Colossians 3

Colossians 3 focuses on the transformation that believers undergo after being raised with Christ. Paul instructs the Colossians to set their minds on things above and live a new life in Christ, leaving behind sinful behaviors. The chapter provides guidance for living holy lives, emphasizing love, unity, and peace, and gives practical advice for relationships within families and communities.

Colossians 3:1-2 (NKJV)
"If then you were raised with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ is, sitting at the right hand of God. Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth."

Paul reminds the believers that since they have been spiritually raised with Christ through faith, their focus should now shift toward heavenly things. Instead of being consumed by earthly desires and concerns, believers should concentrate on spiritual matters, particularly on the eternal reign of Christ at God's right hand. This reflects a call to adopt a mindset of eternity, where values align with God's will, not worldly ambitions.

Colossians 3:3 (NKJV)
"For you died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God."

The believer’s old sinful self has died with Christ, and now their true life is securely hidden with Christ in God. This means that their real identity is no longer tied to worldly pursuits but is deeply rooted in their relationship with Christ. This new life is protected and preserved in God's care, awaiting full revelation when Christ returns.

Colossians 3:4 (NKJV)
"When Christ who is our life appears, then you also will appear with Him in glory."

Here, Paul assures believers that Christ, who is the source of their spiritual life, will return, and when He does, they will share in His glory. This points to the future hope of believers, that they will be transformed and fully experience the glory of Christ. It’s a promise of eternal life and the manifestation of their hidden identity in Christ.

Colossians 3:5 (NKJV)
"Therefore put to death your members which are on the earth: fornication, uncleanness, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry."

Believers are called to actively "put to death" sinful behaviors, which Paul lists as fornication, impurity, uncontrolled passion, evil desires, and greed. These actions stem from an earthly, sinful nature, and are seen as forms of idolatry because they place personal desires above God. This radical renunciation of sin is necessary for those living in Christ.

Colossians 3:6 (NKJV)
"Because of these things the wrath of God is coming upon the sons of disobedience,"

Paul warns that such sins invite God’s judgment. The "sons of disobedience" refers to those who persist in sinful ways without repentance. God’s wrath is a consequence of rejecting His will, and believers are cautioned to turn away from these behaviors, knowing the seriousness of sin.

Colossians 3:7 (NKJV)
"in which you yourselves once walked when you lived in them."

Paul reminds the Colossians that they, too, once lived in these sinful behaviors before they were transformed by Christ. This acknowledgment serves as a reminder of the change they’ve experienced and a call to maintain their new life, no longer bound by past sinful actions.

Colossians 3:8-9 (NKJV)
"But now you yourselves are to put off all these: anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy language out of your mouth. Do not lie to one another, since you have put off the old man with his deeds,"

Believers are called to actively rid themselves of negative emotions and actions such as anger, malice, and inappropriate speech. This also includes avoiding deceitful behavior, particularly in relationships with fellow believers. These actions belong to the “old man,” or former sinful nature, which was left behind when they embraced Christ.

Colossians 3:10 (NKJV)
"and have put on the new man who is renewed in knowledge according to the image of Him who created him,"

The "new man" refers to the new nature believers have in Christ. This new self is constantly being renewed as believers grow in knowledge and understanding of God's truth. The goal of this renewal is to reflect the image of God, restoring the original purpose of humanity to reflect His character and holiness.

Colossians 3:11 (NKJV)
"where there is neither Greek nor Jew, circumcised nor uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave nor free, but Christ is all and in all."

In Christ, all worldly distinctions such as ethnicity, religious status, social class, and nationality are irrelevant. Christ unites all believers, regardless of their background, and His presence fills and defines the community. This is a powerful statement of equality and unity within the body of Christ.

Colossians 3:12 (NKJV)
"Therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, put on tender mercies, kindness, humility, meekness, longsuffering;"

As God’s chosen and beloved people, believers are called to embody virtues that reflect Christ’s character. These include mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. Just as they have received these attributes from God, they are now to extend them to others, especially within the Christian community.

Colossians 3:13 (NKJV)
"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."

Believers are urged to show forbearance and forgiveness, mirroring the forgiveness they have received from Christ. If someone has a grievance, they are called to forgive, just as Christ forgave them. This act of forgiveness is a hallmark of Christian love and unity, essential for maintaining healthy relationships within the church.

Colossians 3:14 (NKJV)
"But above all these things put on love, which is the bond of perfection."

Love is the supreme virtue that binds all other virtues together in perfect harmony. Paul emphasizes that love is the key to spiritual maturity and unity within the church. It strengthens relationships and brings completeness to the Christian character.

Colossians 3:15 (NKJV)
"And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to which also you were called in one body; and be thankful."

Believers are called to let God’s peace govern their hearts, promoting harmony within the body of Christ. This peace should be a guiding force in their interactions with others. Paul also encourages gratitude, recognizing God’s grace and blessings as a source of joy and contentment.

Colossians 3:16 (NKJV)
"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."

Paul urges the Colossians to let Christ’s teachings fill their hearts and minds, influencing their wisdom and behavior. They are to teach and encourage each other through scripture, worship, and songs, all done with gratitude to God. Music and praise are seen as powerful tools for spiritual growth and unity.

Colossians 3:17 (NKJV)
"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."

Everything a believer does, whether in speech or action, should be done in the name of Jesus, reflecting His character and purpose. Paul reminds them to continually give thanks to God the Father through Christ, acknowledging His role in their lives and expressing gratitude for His ongoing grace.

Colossians 3:18 (NKJV)
"Wives, submit to your own husbands, as is fitting in the Lord."

Paul calls wives to submit to their husbands, not as a form of oppression, but as part of the divine order within marriage. This submission is “fitting in the Lord,” implying that it is a voluntary and loving act of respect, rooted in a desire to reflect Christ's relationship with the church.

Colossians 3:19 (NKJV)
"Husbands, love your wives and do not be bitter toward them."

Husbands are instructed to love their wives, showing care and tenderness, and not to harbor bitterness or resentment. This love mirrors Christ’s sacrificial love for the church, requiring husbands to nurture their relationships with kindness and compassion.

Colossians 3:20 (NKJV)
"Children, obey your parents in all things, for this is well pleasing to the Lord."

Children are called to obey their parents in all matters, as this obedience pleases the Lord. The instruction emphasizes the importance of family order and the responsibility of children to honor their parents, recognizing it as part of their Christian duty.

Colossians 3:21 (NKJV)
"Fathers, do not provoke your children, lest they become discouraged."

Fathers are cautioned against harshness or actions that might provoke frustration or anger in their children. Paul emphasizes that the role of a father is to guide and nurture children in a way that encourages growth and positivity, rather than discouragement.

Colossians 3:22 (NKJV)
"Bondservants, obey in all things your masters according to the flesh, not with eyeservice, as men-pleasers, but in sincerity of heart, fearing God."

Paul instructs bondservants to obey their earthly masters sincerely, working not just to please people, but out of reverence for God. This teaching highlights that their work is ultimately for God, not merely for human approval. By serving with sincerity and integrity, bondservants demonstrate their reverence for God, recognizing that their true Master is in heaven.

Colossians 3:23 (NKJV)
"And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men,"

Paul encourages believers to put their whole heart into whatever they do, whether in work, service, or relationships. The motivation should be to please the Lord rather than seeking human recognition. This instruction redefines everyday tasks as acts of worship, where believers can honor God through their dedication and effort.

Colossians 3:24 (NKJV)
"knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance; for you serve the Lord Christ."

Paul reminds believers that their ultimate reward comes from God, not from earthly employers or masters. The "inheritance" refers to the eternal life and blessings promised to believers. By serving Christ faithfully, they are assured of this heavenly reward, regardless of their earthly circumstances.

Colossians 3:25 (NKJV)
"But he who does wrong will be repaid for what he has done, and there is no partiality."

This final verse serves as a warning: those who commit wrong will face consequences, as God’s judgment is impartial. Whether a person is a master or a servant, God holds everyone accountable for their actions. This underscores the principle of divine justice, reminding believers of the importance of righteous living.