1 If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God.
2 Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth.
3 For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God.
4 When Christ, [who is] our life, shall appear, then shall ye also appear with him in glory.
5 Mortify therefore your members which are upon the earth; fornication, uncleanness, inordinate affection, evil concupiscence, and covetousness, which is idolatry:
6 For which things’ sake the wrath of God cometh on the children of disobedience:
7 In the which ye also walked some time, when ye lived in them.
8 But now ye also put off all these; anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy communication out of your mouth.
9 Lie not one to another, seeing that ye have put off the old man with his deeds;
10 And have put on the new [man], which is renewed in knowledge after the image of him that created him:
11 Where there is neither Greek nor Jew, circumcision nor uncircumcision, Barbarian, Scythian, bond [nor] free: but Christ [is] all, and in all.
12 Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering;
13 Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also [do] ye.
14 And above all these things [put on] charity, which is the bond of perfectness.
15 And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful.
16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.
17 And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, [do] all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him.
18 Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as it is fit in the Lord.
19 Husbands, love [your] wives, and be not bitter against them.
20 Children, obey [your] parents in all things: for this is well pleasing unto the Lord.
21 Fathers, provoke not your children [to anger], lest they be discouraged.
22 Servants, obey in all things [your] masters according to the flesh; not with eyeservice, as menpleasers; but in singleness of heart, fearing God:
23 And whatsoever ye do, do [it] heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men;
24 Knowing that of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance: for ye serve the Lord Christ.
25 But he that doeth wrong shall receive for the wrong which he hath done: and there is no respect of persons.
Overview of Colossians Chapter 3
Colossians Chapter 3 is a pivotal section of the Apostle Paul’s letter to the church in Colossae. It emphasizes the transformation that comes with faith in Christ, urging believers to live in accordance with their new identity as followers of Jesus. The chapter can be divided into several key themes, including the call to seek things above, instructions for holy living, and guidelines for relationships within the Christian community.
Seeking Things Above
Paul begins the chapter by encouraging believers to set their minds on heavenly things rather than earthly ones. This theme is crucial for understanding the Christian life as one that is oriented towards God and eternity.
- Focus on Christ: Believers are reminded that their lives are hidden with Christ in God, emphasizing the security and identity found in Him.
- Transformation: The call to seek things above signifies a radical change in priorities and values, moving away from worldly concerns.
Putting Off the Old Self
In this section, Paul instructs the Colossians to put to death their earthly practices and behaviors that are contrary to their new life in Christ.
- Immorality: Sexual immorality, impurity, passion, evil desire, and covetousness are listed as behaviors to be eliminated.
- Anger and Malice: Paul warns against anger, wrath, malice, slander, and obscene talk, urging believers to rid themselves of these negative traits.
- Deception: The chapter emphasizes honesty, encouraging believers to speak truthfully to one another.
Putting on the New Self
Following the call to put off the old self, Paul encourages believers to embrace their new identity in Christ, characterized by virtues that reflect God’s nature.
- Compassion: Believers are called to exhibit compassion and kindness towards others.
- Humility: Humility is highlighted as a vital characteristic of the new self.
- Forgiveness: Paul stresses the importance of forgiveness, reminding believers to forgive one another as Christ forgave them.
- Love: Love is presented as the ultimate virtue that binds all other qualities together in perfect harmony.
The Peace of Christ
Paul emphasizes the importance of letting the peace of Christ rule in believers’ hearts. This peace serves as a guiding principle for their lives and interactions within the community.
- Unity: The peace of Christ fosters unity among believers, encouraging them to live in harmony.
- Gratitude: Paul encourages a posture of thankfulness, urging believers to be thankful in all circumstances.
Instructions for Worship and Community Life
The chapter concludes with practical instructions for how believers should conduct themselves in worship and community life.
- Teaching and Admonishing: Believers are encouraged to teach and admonish one another with wisdom, using psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs.
- Doing Everything in the Name of the Lord: Paul stresses that all actions should be done in the name of Jesus, emphasizing the importance of aligning daily life with faith.
Guidelines for Relationships
Paul addresses specific relationships within the household, providing guidelines for how family members should treat one another.
- Wives and Husbands: Wives are instructed to submit to their husbands, while husbands are called to love their wives and not be harsh with them.
- Children and Parents: Children are urged to obey their parents, and fathers are warned not to provoke their children to anger.
- Slaves and Masters: Instructions are given for slaves to obey their earthly masters sincerely, while masters are reminded to treat their slaves justly and fairly.
Conclusion
Colossians Chapter 3 encapsulates the essence of the Christian life, focusing on the transformative power of Christ and the implications for personal conduct and community relationships. By seeking the things above, putting off the old self, and putting on the new, believers are called to live out their faith in a way that reflects their identity in Christ.
