Introduction: Colossians 3 is a chapter that teaches us how to live a new life in Christ. This chapter points out the importance of setting our minds on things above, casting off our old selves, and embracing a life of holiness and love. This chapter written by the Apostle Paul, guides believers on the journey of spiritual growth, encouraging them to put on the new man, which is renewed in the image of its Creator, Jesus Christ. The message of Colossians 3 should inspire believers to grow spiritually and continue in that growth while traveling through this world.
I. Set Your Mind on Things Above (Colossians 3:1-4)
In these first verses, Paul begins by encouraging believers to focus on heavenly things, as they have been raised with Christ. He urges them to seek what is above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God. We read in Romans 8:6, the faithful is told to be spiritually minded, it is life and peace, teaching the importance of a heavenly focus. Also in Philippians 3:20, the Bible says, our citizenship is in heaven, showing us our connection is to the divine realm. These verses remind us of our new life in Christ and our hope for the future when Christ, who is our life, comes for us; whether at the time of our passing or when the rapture takes place. In 1 John 3:2, the Bible teaches, we shall be like Christ when He appears, pointing to fact of our future transformation from the corruptible to the incorruptible.
II. Put to Death Earthly Things (Colossians 3:5-11)
Here in these verses, Paul teaches the Colossians to put to death their worldly nature, including immorality, impurity, and greed. Romans 6:12-13 teaches us, don’t let sin reign in your mortal body, pointing out the call to live righteously, and Ephesians 4:22-24 tells us to put off our old self, and put on the new, which has the likeness of Jesus. Also the Bible tells us in 1 Peter 2:11, to abstain from sinful desires, bringing to mind the need for believers to live holy, sanctified lives in this world. He warns that such things provoke God’s wrath and have no place in the lives of those who have become a new creation in Christ Jesus.
III. Clothe Yourself with Virtues (Colossians 3:12-17)
Here, Paul continues to teach believers to clothe themselves with virtues such as compassion, kindness, humility, and patience. In Galatians 5:22-23, we see the fruit of the Spirit includes similar virtues in the Christian’s life. He emphasizes the need for forgiveness and love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony. The Bible tells us in Ephesians 4:32 to be kind and compassionate, forgiving each other, which is somewhat like Paul’s call to forgiveness here in these verses. Christians are called to live peacefully and be thankful, letting the word of Christ dwell in them richly. We read about the wisdom of God in James 3:17-18, the wisdom from above is pure and peace-loving, much like the virtues Paul lists here in these verses.
IV. Do Everything in the Name of Jesus (Colossians 3:17)
Finally, Paul exhorts the Colossians to do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father. This verse summarizes the believer’s attitude towards all their actions in life, laced with gratitude and in Christ’s authority. The Bible tells us in 1 Corinthians 10:31, what you do, do it all for the glory of God, echoing with the call to do everything in Jesus’ name. Also in 2 Thessalonians 3:13, the Bible tells to never get weary of doing what is good, which backs up the message of consistent Christian living in these verses. And in 1 Peter 4:11, we read, serve so that God may be praised, whatever you do, do it all in the name of Jesus.
VI. Wives Submit to Husbands, Husbands Love Your Wives (Colossians 3:18-19)
In these verses, Paul teaches wives to submit to their husbands as is fitting in the Lord, and husbands to love their wives. This promotes a spirit of mutual respect and love within the marriage relationship. Cross references to these verses: Ephesians 5:22: Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as unto the Lord – 1 Peter 3:1: Wives, in the same way submit yourselves to your own husbands – Titus 2:5: be discreet, chaste, homemakers, good, obedient to their own husbands- Ephesians 5:25: Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ also loved the church – 1 Peter 3:7: husbands, dwell with them with understanding, giving honor to the wife – Proverbs 5:18: Let your fountain be blessed, and rejoice with the wife of your youth.
VII. Instructions For Children, Parents, Bond Servants (Colossians 3:20-25)
Children are encouraged to obey their parents in all things, as this pleases the Lord, and Fathers are warned not to provoke their children, lest they become discouraged. Other verses in the Bible that refers to these are – Ephesians 6:1: Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right – Exodus 20:12: Honor your father and your mother – Proverbs 6:20: My son, keep your father’s command, and do not forsake the law of your mother – Ephesians 6:4: And you, fathers, do not provoke your children to wrath. Bondservants are urged to obey their earthly masters with sincerity, fearing the Lord. The focus is on working for God rather than just for human masters. In Ephesians 6:5-7 we read Bondservants, be obedient to those who are your masters according to the flesh, and in 1 Peter 2:18, the Bible says to servants, be submissive to your masters with all fear (in the Lord).
Conclusion: Colossians 3 teaches lessons for living out our faith with intention and purpose. It calls us to focus on the spiritual, put away our sinful nature, embrace godly virtues, and do everything with a heart of gratitude in Jesus’ name. This chapter is a blueprint for Christian living, as it teaches us to embody the love and holiness of Christ in our daily lives. Colossians 3 is not just an outline for behavior; it is an invitation to experience the fullness of life in Christ by living the life Jesus wants us to live, in year 2024 and beyond.
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