Colossians Chapter 3 — Living the New Life in Christ
Paul encourages believers to focus on spiritual things rather than earthly desires, putting on a new nature characterized by love, peace, and gratitude.
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Notable Verses
Colossians 3:2
“Set your mind on the things that are above, not on the things that are on the earth.”
This verse establishes the central theme of maintaining a spiritual focus rather than a worldly one.
Colossians 3:14
“Above all these things, walk in love, which is the bond of perfection.”
It highlights love as the unifying principle that brings all other Christian virtues into perfect harmony.
Colossians 3:23
“And whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men,”
This verse provides a standard for daily work, teaching that all labor should be viewed as service to God.
Chapter Summary
Colossians Chapter 3 opens with a call for believers to focus their minds on things above because their lives are now hidden with Christ. Paul instructs them to put to death earthly behaviors such as immorality, anger, and lying, describing this as putting off the old man. In its place, they are to put on the new man, which is being renewed in the image of the Creator. This new identity transcends social and ethnic boundaries, emphasizing that Christ is all in all. Paul lists virtues to embrace, including compassion, humility, and forgiveness, with love being the most important bond. The chapter concludes with specific instructions for household relationships, including wives, husbands, children, and servants, urging everyone to work heartily as if serving the Lord rather than human masters. Paul emphasizes that the reward for such service comes from the Lord, who treats all people without partiality.
Frequently Asked Questions
Paul encourages readers to prioritize spiritual growth and eternal perspectives over temporary earthly desires. This involves focusing on the reality of Christ’s reign and the future glory promised to believers.
Paul lists several behaviors to discard, including sexual immorality, anger, malice, slander, and lying. He compares these to old garments that no longer fit the new life found in Christ.
Believers are instructed to clothe themselves with compassion, kindness, humility, and patience. Central to these relationships is the command to forgive one another just as Christ forgave them.
Study Note
The household codes found in the latter half of the chapter were a common literary form in the Greco-Roman world, here reshaped by Paul to center on the Lord.
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