Chapter Summary
Core Passages from Colossians 3
Colossians 3:1-2If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth.
Paul encourages us to shift our perspective from temporary earthly problems to the eternal reality of Christ's victory. This mental shift is the foundation for all the practical changes that follow in the chapter.Colossians 3:14And above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony.
Love is described as the 'perfect bond' that holds all other virtues together. Without love, even the best behaviors are incomplete and lack the power to create true unity.Colossians 3:17And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.
This verse provides a simple filter for everything we do: if we can't do it in the name of Jesus with a thankful heart, we probably shouldn't be doing it at all.
Historical & Cultural Context
From Heavenly Thinking to Earthly Living
In the previous chapters, Paul argued that Jesus is supreme over all creation and that we don't need special rituals or secret knowledge to be right with God. Now, he turns to the 'so what' of that message. He explains that if we truly believe Jesus rose from the dead, our lives should look fundamentally different than they did before. He uses the imagery of 'dying' to our old ways and being 'raised' to a new kind of life.
The Gospel in the Home and Workplace
The chapter transitions from internal character changes to external social changes. Paul addresses the household, which was the basic unit of society in the ancient world. He shows that the Gospel doesn't just stay in our hearts; it enters our living rooms and our workplaces. By addressing wives, husbands, children, and workers, he demonstrates that no relationship is too small to be influenced by the peace of Christ.
The Practical Transformation of the Believer
In Colossians 3:1-25, Paul provides a step-by-step guide for spiritual growth. He begins by grounding our identity in Christ's resurrection and then moves into a detailed list of what to stop doing and what to start doing. The scene is one of total life renovation, where the old, damaged parts of our character are replaced by the beautiful traits of Jesus Himself.
A New Perspective (Colossians 3:1-4)
1 If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God.
2 Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth.
3 For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God.
4 When Christ who is your life appears, then you also will appear with him in glory.
Commentary:
Focus your mind on Christ's victory to find your true identity and security.
Out with the Old (Colossians 3:5-11)
5 Put to death therefore what is earthly in you: sexual immorality, impurity, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry.
6 On account of these the wrath of God is coming.
7 In these you too once walked, when you were living in them.
8 But now you must put them all away: anger, wrath, malice, slander, and obscene talk from your mouth.
9 Do not lie to one another, seeing that you have put off the old self with its practices.
10 and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge after the image of its creator.
11 Here there is not Greek and Jew, circumcised and uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave, free; but Christ is all, and in all.
Commentary:
Stop doing things that hurt yourself and others, because you are a new person now.
In with the New (Colossians 3:12-17)
12 Put on then, as God's chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience,
13 bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive.
14 And above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony.
15 And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful.
16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God.
17 And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.
Commentary:
Dress yourself in kindness and love, letting God's peace guide your heart.
Related Verse Analysis
Christ in Every Relationship (Colossians 3:18-25)
18 Wives, submit to your husbands, as is fitting in the Lord.
19 Husbands, love your wives, and do not be harsh with them.
20 Children, obey your parents in everything, for this pleases the Lord.
21 Fathers, do not provoke your children, lest they become discouraged.
22 Bondservants, obey in everything those who are your earthly masters, not by way of eye-service, as people-pleasers, but with sincerity of heart, fearing the Lord.
23 Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men,
24 knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ.
25 For the wrongdoer will be paid back for the wrong he has done, and there is no partiality.
Commentary:
Treat your family and your work as a way to serve and honor Jesus.
The Blueprint for a Christ-Centered Life
The New Self
This chapter reveals that becoming a Christian is like a total wardrobe change for the soul. We are invited to take off the 'old self' with its destructive habits and put on a 'new self' that is constantly being updated to look more like our Creator.
Unity in Diversity
Paul emphasizes that in the body of Christ, traditional social and ethnic divisions are wiped away. Because Christ is 'all and in all,' our shared identity in Him is much more important than the labels the world uses to divide us.
The Power of Gratitude
Thankfulness is mentioned repeatedly as the proper response to God's grace. Gratitude acts as a spiritual safeguard, keeping our hearts focused on God's goodness and helping us maintain peace even in difficult circumstances.
Applying Colossians 3 to Your Daily Walk
You can apply verses 1-2 by taking small 'God-breaks' throughout your day to remind yourself of His presence. Instead of letting stress dictate your mood, you can choose to filter your problems through the lens of God's eternal love and power.
According to verses 13-14, this means choosing to forgive even when you have a legitimate complaint. It involves actively seeking the other person's well-being and letting love be the 'glue' that keeps you from walking away when things get tough.
It shifts your focus from your human boss or your paycheck to Jesus Himself. When you realize you are actually 'serving the Lord Christ,' even the most boring or difficult tasks become meaningful because they are done for Him.
Your New Life Starts with Christ
Paul declares that because we are united with Christ, our old way of living is officially over. In Jesus, we are given a new identity that is defined by love, peace, and gratitude rather than our past mistakes or social status. The message is both challenging and encouraging: every word we speak and every task we perform is an opportunity to show the world who God truly is.
What This Means for Us Today
Transformation is not about trying harder to be good. It is about realizing who you already are in Christ. We are invited to take off the heavy, dirty rags of our old life and dress ourselves in the beautiful character of Jesus. This week, let the peace of Christ be the umpire in your heart as you navigate your home and your work.
- What 'old clothes' or habits do you need to take off today?
- How can you let the 'word of Christ' dwell in you more richly this week?
- In what area of your life do you need to start working 'for the Lord' rather than for people?
Further Reading
Immediate Context
Provides the theological foundation for why we are free from old rules and united with Christ.
Continues the practical instructions with a focus on prayer and how to talk to those who don't know Christ.
Connections Across Scripture
A very similar passage that also discusses putting off the old self and putting on the new self.
Explores how our minds are renewed and how we should use our different gifts to serve the church body.
Discussion Questions
- What does it mean to you that your life is 'hidden with Christ in God'? How does that change your sense of security?
- Which of the virtues listed in verse 12 (kindness, humility, patience, etc.) do you find the hardest to 'put on' lately?
- If you did everything today 'in the name of the Lord Jesus,' what is one specific thing you would have done differently?