Colossians 3
BSB1 Therefore, since you have been raised with Christ, strive for the things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God. 2 Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. 3 For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God. 4 When Christ, who is your life, appears, then you also will appear with Him in glory. 5 Put to death, therefore, the components of your earthly nature: sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires, and greed, which is idolatry. 6 Because of these, the wrath of God is coming on the sons of disobedience. 7 When you lived among them, you also used to walk in these ways. 8 But now you must put aside all such things as these: anger, rage, malice, slander, and filthy language from your lips. 9 Do not lie to one another, since you have taken off the old self with its practices, 10 and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge in the image of its Creator. 11 Here there is no Greek or Jew, circumcised or uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave, or free, but Christ is all and is in all. 12 Therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, clothe yourselves with hearts of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. 13 Bear with one another and forgive any complaint you may have against someone else. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. 14 And over all these virtues put on love, which is the bond of perfect unity. 15 Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, for to this you were called as members of one body. And be thankful. 16 Let the word of Christ richly dwell within you as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God. 17 And whatever you do, in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him. 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 is pleasing to the Lord. 21 Fathers, do not provoke your children, so they will not become discouraged. 22 Slaves, obey your earthly masters in everything, not only to please them while they are watching, but with sincerity of heart and fear of the Lord. 23 Whatever you do, work at it with your whole being, for the Lord and not for men, 24 because you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as your reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving. 25 Whoever does wrong will be repaid for his wrong, and there is no favoritism.
Study Notes — Colossians 3
- Chapter Summary
- Context for the Chapter
- Heart Application
- What Does This Chapter Mean?
- Voices from the Church
- Outline for Preaching
- Core Doctrines
- Lessons from Colossians 3
- Themes from Colossians 3
- Questions for Meditation
- Detailed Chapter Outline
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Top Cross References
- Sermons on Colossians 3
- Matthew Henry Commentary
- What Do You Notice?
Chapter Summary
Colossians 3 begins by encouraging believers to seek things above, where Christ is, and to set their minds on things above, not on earthly things. It reminds them that they have died with Christ and their lives are now hidden with Him in God. The chapter then lists the practices that believers are to put to death, such as sexual immorality, greed, and anger, and exhorts them to put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge in the image of its Creator. Believers are called to bear with each other, forgive each other, and let the peace of Christ rule in their hearts. The chapter concludes with instructions on how to live out their faith in their relationships, including marriage, parenthood, and employment. Key verses include Colossians 3:1-2, which sets the tone for the chapter, and Colossians 3:17, which emphasizes the importance of doing everything in the name of the Lord Jesus.
Context for the Chapter
This chapter is part of the apostle Paul's letter to the Colossians, which was written to address the heresy of Gnosticism and to encourage believers to live out their faith in a way that honors God. The chapter follows Paul's explanation of the supremacy of Christ and the believer's union with Him, and it provides practical instructions on how to live a life that reflects their new identity in Christ. The chapter is also connected to the larger biblical narrative, which emphasizes the importance of living a life that is pleasing to God and reflecting the character of Christ.
Heart Application
As believers, we are called to seek things above and to live a life that honors God. This requires us to put to death the old self and its sinful desires, and to put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge and image of the Creator. We are also called to bear with each other, forgive each other, and let the peace of Christ rule in our hearts. By applying these principles, we can live a life that reflects our new identity in Christ and brings glory to God.
What Does This Chapter Mean?
This chapter is about living a new life in Christ. It means seeking things above and putting to death the old self. Believers are called to forgive each other and live in peace. As seen in Colossians 3:1-2, believers are to set their minds on things above and live a life that honors God.
Voices from the Church
“The believer's life is hid with Christ in God, and when Christ, who is our life, shall appear, then shall we also appear with Him in glory.”
— Charles Spurgeon
“We are not our own, but belong to God, and therefore ought to live and die to Him.”
— John Calvin
“The Christian life is a life of repentance, and the believer must continually put to death the old self and its sinful desires.”
— Martin Luther
Outline for Preaching
- Seeking Things Above (Colossians 3:1-4) — The chapter begins by encouraging believers to seek things above and to set their minds on things above, not on earthly things.
- Putting to Death the Old Self (Colossians 3:5-11) — The chapter lists the practices that believers are to put to death, such as sexual immorality, greed, and anger.
- Putting on the New Self (Colossians 3:12-17) — The chapter exhorts believers to put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge and image of the Creator.
- Living Out Faith in Relationships (Colossians 3:18-25) — The chapter provides instructions on how to live out faith in various relationships, including marriage, parenthood, and employment.
- Conclusion (Colossians 3:26-4:1) — The chapter concludes with a reminder to do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus and to give thanks to God the Father through Him.
Core Doctrines
- Union with Christ
- This chapter teaches that believers are united with Christ and are to seek things above, where Christ is. As seen in Colossians 3:1-4, believers are to set their minds on things above and live a life that honors God.
- Sanctification
- The chapter emphasizes the importance of putting to death the old self and its sinful desires, and putting on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge and image of the Creator. This is seen in Colossians 3:5-11 and Colossians 3:12-17.
- Forgiveness
- The chapter highlights the importance of forgiving each other, just as the Lord has forgiven us. As seen in Colossians 3:13, believers are called to bear with each other and forgive each other.
- The Christian Life
- The chapter provides instructions on how to live out faith in various relationships, including marriage, parenthood, and employment. This is seen in Colossians 3:18-25.
Lessons from Colossians 3
- The Importance of Prioritizing Spiritual Things — The chapter emphasizes the importance of seeking things above and prioritizing spiritual things. This requires a deliberate effort to focus on God and His kingdom.
- The Need for Forgiveness and Repentance — The chapter highlights the importance of forgiving each other and putting to death the old self. This requires a willingness to repent and seek forgiveness from God and others.
- The Power of Renewal and Transformation — The chapter teaches that believers are being renewed in knowledge and image of the Creator. This requires a surrender to God's transforming power and a willingness to be changed.
- The Importance of Living Out Faith in Relationships — The chapter provides instructions on how to live out faith in various relationships. This requires a commitment to applying biblical principles to everyday life and relationships.
- The Call to Live a Life that Honors God — The chapter concludes with a reminder to do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus and to give thanks to God the Father through Him. This requires a commitment to living a life that honors God and reflects the character of Christ.
Themes from Colossians 3
- The New Life in Christ — The chapter explores the believer's new life in Christ, emphasizing the importance of seeking things above and putting to death the old self.
- The Importance of Forgiveness — The chapter highlights the importance of forgiving each other, just as the Lord has forgiven us.
- The Power of Renewal and Transformation — The chapter teaches that believers are being renewed in knowledge and image of the Creator.
- The Importance of Living Out Faith in Relationships — The chapter provides instructions on how to live out faith in various relationships, including marriage, parenthood, and employment.
- The Call to Live a Life that Honors God — The chapter concludes with a reminder to do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus and to give thanks to God the Father through Him.
Questions for Meditation
- What does it mean to seek things above, and how can I prioritize spiritual things in my life?
- What are some practices that I need to put to death in my life, and how can I overcome them?
- What does it mean to put on the new self, and how can I be renewed in knowledge and image of the Creator?
- How can I apply the principles of forgiveness and bearing with each other in my relationships?
- What are some ways that I can live out my faith in my daily life, including my relationships and work?
Detailed Chapter Outline
1. Seeking Things Above (Colossians 3:1-4)
| 3:1 | The chapter begins by encouraging believers to seek things above and to set their minds on things above, not on earthly things. |
| 3:2 | Believers are to set their minds on things above, not on earthly things, and to seek the things that are above, where Christ is. |
| 3:3 | Believers have died with Christ and their lives are now hidden with Him in God. |
| 3:4 | When Christ, who is our life, shall appear, then shall we also appear with Him in glory. |
2. Putting to Death the Old Self (Colossians 3:5-11)
| 3:5 | The chapter lists the practices that believers are to put to death, such as sexual immorality, greed, and anger. |
| 3:6 | The wrath of God is coming because of these sins. |
| 3:7 | Believers are to put to death these practices and not let them control their lives. |
| 3:8 | Believers are to put away anger, wrath, and malice. |
| 3:9 | Believers are not to lie to each other, since they have put off the old self with its practices. |
| 3:10 | Believers are being renewed in knowledge and image of the Creator. |
| 3:11 | In this new life, there is no distinction between Greek and Jew, circumcised and uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave and free, but Christ is all and in all. |
3. Putting on the New Self (Colossians 3:12-17)
| 3:12 | Believers are to put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge and image of the Creator. |
| 3:13 | Believers are to bear with each other and forgive each other, just as the Lord has forgiven them. |
| 3:14 | And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity. |
| 3:15 | Let the peace of Christ rule in their hearts, to which indeed they were called in one body. |
| 3:16 | Let the word of Christ dwell in them richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom. |
| 3:17 | And whatever they do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him. |
4. Living Out Faith in Relationships (Colossians 3:18-25)
| 3:18 | Wives are to submit to their husbands, as is fitting in the Lord. |
| 3:19 | Husbands are to love their wives and not be harsh with them. |
| 3:20 | Children are to obey their parents in everything, for this pleases the Lord. |
| 3:21 | Fathers are not to embitter their children, or they may become discouraged. |
| 3:22 | Slaves are to obey their earthly masters in everything, not only to please them but also to serve the Lord. |
| 3:23 | Whatever they do, they are to do it with all their heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters. |
| 3:24 | They will receive an inheritance from the Lord as their reward. |
| 3:25 | For the wrongdoer will be paid back for the wrong he has done, and there is no favoritism. |
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to seek things above?
To seek things above means to prioritize spiritual things and to focus on God and His kingdom, as seen in Colossians 3:1-2. This requires a deliberate effort to set one's mind on things above, not on earthly things.
How can I put to death the old self?
To put to death the old self, one must be willing to repent and seek forgiveness from God and others, as seen in Colossians 3:5-11. This requires a commitment to putting away sinful practices and to being renewed in knowledge and image of the Creator.
What does it mean to put on the new self?
To put on the new self means to be renewed in knowledge and image of the Creator, as seen in Colossians 3:10. This requires a surrender to God's transforming power and a willingness to be changed.
Top Cross References
| Reference | Connection | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Colossians 3:1 → Psalm 16:8 | The idea of seeking things above is connected to the Psalmist's declaration that he has set the Lord always before him. |
| 2 | Colossians 3:5 → Romans 8:13 | The idea of putting to death the old self is connected to the concept of mortifying the deeds of the body, as seen in Romans 8:13. |
| 3 | Colossians 3:10 → Ephesians 4:24 | The idea of putting on the new self is connected to the concept of putting on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness, as seen in Ephesians 4:24. |
| 4 | Colossians 3:13 → Matthew 6:14-15 | The idea of forgiving each other is connected to the teaching of Jesus on forgiveness, as seen in Matthew 6:14-15. |
| 5 | Colossians 3:17 → 1 Corinthians 10:31 | The idea of doing everything in the name of the Lord Jesus is connected to the concept of doing everything to the glory of God, as seen in 1 Corinthians 10:31. |
| 6 | Colossians 3:18 → Ephesians 5:22 | The idea of wives submitting to their husbands is connected to the teaching on submission in Ephesians 5:22. |
| 7 | Colossians 3:20 → Ephesians 6:1-3 | The idea of children obeying their parents is connected to the teaching of Ephesians 6:1-3. |
| 8 | Colossians 3:22 → Ephesians 6:5-8 | The idea of slaves obeying their earthly masters is connected to the teaching on slavery in Ephesians 6:5-8. |
Sermons on Colossians 3
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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A New Attitude Towards People by Francis Chan | This sermon emphasizes the transformation believers undergo when they accept Christ, becoming new creations and living differently from the world's patterns. It delves into the imp |
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"That They May Be one." by Art Katz | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of not treating the preaching of the word of God as a mere ceremonial duty. He criticizes the idea of paying someone to fill a |
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Set Your Affections Above - Part 1 by Derek Prince | In this sermon, the speaker focuses on 2nd Corinthians chapter 4 and highlights the idea that everything in the universe is for the sake of believers. The speaker emphasizes that a |
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Victory Over One's Worst Enemy by Paris Reidhead | Paris Reidhead emphasizes that our greatest enemy is ourselves, revealing his personal struggles with spirituality and critical attitudes during his missionary work in Africa. He s |
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Be a Man (At Home and at Church) by Paul Washer | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of bringing every aspect of our lives under the lordship of Christ. He highlights the need to bring our thought life, eyes, e |
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Salvation by Faith (Reading) by John Wesley | In this video, James Christian introduces the John Wesley Sermon series, which aims to bring classic Christian texts, including Mr. Wesley's sermons, into audiobook form. He highli |
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Four Loves by C.S. Lewis | C.S. Lewis explores the concept of love through the lens of the four Greek words: Storge, which represents familial affection; Philia, the bond of friendship; Eros, the romantic lo |
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Christless Pentecost - Part 1 by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of prayer in the lives of believers. He challenges the audience to prioritize seeking Christ in prayer, suggesting that even |
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A Passion to Know Him by Charles Stanley | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of knowing Jesus Christ not only as Savior but also as Lord. Many people are content with knowing Jesus as their Savior becaus |
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The Redeemer Is Coming to Zion by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of truly knowing Jesus and not just using His name. He warns against the deception of prosperity gospel and the focus on mate |
Summary of Matthew Henry Commentary on Colossians 3
In this chapter, the apostle Paul encourages believers to seek things above, where Christ is, and to set their minds on things above, not on earthly things. He reminds them that they have died with Christ and their lives are now hidden with Him in God. The chapter then lists the practices that believers are to put to death, such as sexual immorality, greed, and anger, and exhorts them to put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge and image of the Creator. The chapter concludes with instructions on how to live out faith in various relationships, including marriage, parenthood, and employment. Throughout the chapter, Paul emphasizes the importance of living a life that honors God and reflects the character of Christ. As Matthew Henry notes, 'The life of a Christian is a life of warfare, and he must fight against the flesh, and against the world, and against the devil, and must trust in the power of God, and the grace of Christ, to enable him to overcome them.' Read the full unabridged Matthew Henry Commentary →
What Do You Notice?
The Importance of Forgiveness
The chapter emphasizes the importance of forgiving each other, just as the Lord has forgiven us (Colossians 3:13). This highlights the need for believers to extend grace and mercy to one another.
The Contrast Between the Old and New Self
The chapter contrasts the old self, which is characterized by sinful desires and practices, with the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge and image of the Creator (Colossians 3:9-10).
The Emphasis on Relationships
The chapter provides instructions on how to live out faith in various relationships, including marriage, parenthood, and employment (Colossians 3:18-25). This highlights the importance of applying biblical principles to everyday life.