Colossians chapter 3 stands out as a profound segment in the Pauline Epistles, offering rich theological and practical insights for Christian living. This chapter can be understood as a roadmap for believers who seek to align their lives with the teachings and example of Jesus Christ. Written by the Apostle Paul, this chapter is part of his letter to the church in Colossae, addressing both doctrinal issues and practical Christian conduct. Let's delve into the key teachings of Colossians chapter 3, exploring its depth and relevance for contemporary believers.
Setting Our Minds on Things Above
Paul begins Colossians chapter 3 by urging believers to set their minds on heavenly things rather than earthly matters. He writes, "Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things" (Colossians 3:1-2, NIV). This exhortation is rooted in the transformative power of the resurrection of Christ. Believers, having been spiritually resurrected with Christ, are called to live in a way that reflects their new identity.
This heavenly focus is not an abstract or mystical concept but a practical orientation of life. It involves prioritizing spiritual values, eternal truths, and God's kingdom over temporal and material concerns. This mindset shift is foundational for the subsequent instructions Paul provides, as it reorients the believer's entire perspective and approach to life.
Putting to Death Earthly Nature
Paul continues by addressing the need to put to death the earthly nature, which includes sinful behaviors and attitudes. He lists specific vices that believers must rid themselves of: "Put to death, therefore, whatever belongs to your earthly nature: sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires, and greed, which is idolatry" (Colossians 3:5, NIV). This call to put to death these aspects of the earthly nature is a call to radical transformation. It is not merely about behavior modification but about a deep, inner change that reflects the believer's new life in Christ.
Paul's list of vices is comprehensive, covering both external actions and internal motivations. Sexual immorality, impurity, and lust refer to sinful actions and thoughts related to sexuality, while evil desires and greed point to broader issues of covetousness and idolatry. By identifying these specific sins, Paul emphasizes the importance of holiness and purity in the believer's life.
The New Self
In contrast to the old self, Paul describes the new self that believers are to put on: "Do not lie to each other, since you have taken off your old self with its practices and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge in the image of its Creator" (Colossians 3:9-10, NIV). This imagery of taking off the old self and putting on the new self highlights the transformative nature of the Christian life. It is akin to changing clothes, signifying a complete change in identity and behavior.
The new self is characterized by renewal in knowledge and conformity to the image of God. This renewal is an ongoing process, involving continual growth and transformation. It is not a one-time event but a lifelong journey of becoming more like Christ. This transformation is fueled by knowledge—specifically, the knowledge of God and His will as revealed in Scripture.
Unity in Christ
Paul then emphasizes the unity and equality that believers have in Christ: "Here there is no Gentile or Jew, circumcised or uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave or free, but Christ is all, and is in all" (Colossians 3:11, NIV). This declaration of unity is revolutionary, breaking down the social, cultural, and ethnic barriers that divided people in the ancient world. In Christ, all believers are equal, and their primary identity is found in Him.
This teaching on unity is especially relevant in a world that is often divided by race, class, and other social distinctions. The church is called to be a community where these distinctions are transcended, and all are welcomed and valued as members of the body of Christ. This unity is not merely a theoretical ideal but a practical reality that should be reflected in the life of the church.
Christian Virtues
Paul then outlines the virtues that should characterize the new self: "Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity" (Colossians 3:12-14, NIV).
These virtues are the positive counterpart to the vices listed earlier. They reflect the character of Christ and the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23). Compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience are relational virtues that foster harmony and unity within the Christian community. Forgiveness is highlighted as a central aspect of Christian living, reflecting the forgiveness that believers have received from Christ.
Love is presented as the supreme virtue that binds all the others together. It is the foundation and the glue that holds the Christian community together. Without love, the other virtues lose their meaning and effectiveness. Love is the defining mark of a true follower of Christ (John 13:35).
The Peace of Christ
Paul continues by exhorting believers to let the peace of Christ rule in their hearts: "Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful" (Colossians 3:15, NIV). The peace of Christ is not merely the absence of conflict but a deep, abiding sense of well-being and harmony that comes from being reconciled to God and to one another.
This peace is to "rule" in the hearts of believers, acting as an umpire that guides their decisions and relationships. It is a peace that transcends circumstances and is rooted in the believer's relationship with Christ. Gratitude is closely linked to this peace, as a thankful heart is a heart that recognizes and appreciates God's blessings and faithfulness.
The Word of Christ
Paul also emphasizes the importance of the Word of Christ: "Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts" (Colossians 3:16, NIV). The Word of Christ refers to the teachings of Jesus and the message of the gospel. It is to dwell richly among believers, shaping their thoughts, attitudes, and actions.
Teaching and admonishing one another with wisdom is an essential aspect of Christian community. It involves mutual encouragement and correction, grounded in the truth of God's Word. Worship, expressed through psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs, is a vital part of this communal life, fostering a spirit of gratitude and praise.
Doing Everything in the Name of the Lord
Paul concludes this section with a comprehensive exhortation: "And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him" (Colossians 3:17, NIV). This verse encapsulates the essence of Christian living. Every aspect of life, whether words or actions, is to be done in the name of the Lord Jesus. This means living in a way that honors and represents Him, reflecting His character and values.
Giving thanks to God the Father through Jesus is a recurring theme in this chapter. Gratitude is a hallmark of the Christian life, recognizing God's grace and sovereignty in all circumstances. It is an attitude that transforms how believers approach life and relationships, fostering a spirit of joy and contentment.
Household Relationships
In the latter part of the chapter, Paul addresses specific household relationships, providing practical instructions for wives, husbands, children, and slaves. These instructions are rooted in the principle of mutual submission and respect, reflecting the transformative power of the gospel in every aspect of life.
"Wives, submit yourselves to your husbands, as is fitting in the Lord. Husbands, love your wives and do not be harsh with them. Children, obey your parents in everything, for this pleases the Lord. Fathers, do not embitter your children, or they will become discouraged" (Colossians 3:18-21, NIV). These instructions emphasize the importance of love, respect, and harmony within the family unit. They reflect the mutual submission and sacrificial love that characterize Christian relationships.
Paul also addresses slaves and masters, urging them to treat each other with fairness and respect: "Slaves, obey your earthly masters in everything; and do it, not only when their eye is on you and to curry their favor, but with sincerity of heart and reverence for the Lord. Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters" (Colossians 3:22-23, NIV). While the institution of slavery is not condoned, Paul provides principles that promote dignity and justice within the existing social structure.
Conclusion
Colossians chapter 3 offers a comprehensive and practical guide for Christian living, rooted in the believer's new identity in Christ. It calls for a radical transformation of mind and behavior, characterized by holiness, love, unity, and gratitude. It addresses both individual conduct and communal relationships, providing a vision of a Christ-centered life that transcends cultural and social barriers. As believers embrace these teachings, they reflect the character of Christ and bear witness to the transformative power of the gospel in every aspect of life.
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