Colossians 3

Summary

 

Colossians 3 emphasizes the transformation of believers in Christ, urging them to live by their new identity. Paul encourages a focus on heavenly things, the putting to death of earthly desires, the cultivation of Christ-like virtues, and the application of these principles in relationships within the family and workplace.

 

  1. Set Your Minds on Things Above (Colossians 3:1-4): Paul encourages the Colossians to seek the things that are above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God. Believers are urged to set their minds on heavenly things rather than earthly things and to understand that their life is hidden with Christ in God.
  2. Put to Death Earthly Desires (Colossians 3:5-11): Paul instructs the Colossians to put to death earthly desires such as sexual immorality, impurity, evil desires, and greed. He emphasizes the need to rid themselves of anger, malice, slander, and obscene talk. Instead, they are to put on the new self, which is being renewed in the knowledge of the image of the Creator.
  3. Clothe Yourselves with Christ's Virtues (Colossians 3:12-17): Paul calls the Colossians to clothe themselves with virtues such as compassion, kindness, humility, meekness, patience, forgiveness, and love. They are to let the peace of Christ rule in their hearts and be thankful. The Word of Christ is to dwell in them richly, and all they do is to be done in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God.
  4. Instructions for Family and Work (Colossians 3:18-4:1): Paul provides specific instructions for relationships within families and workplaces. He addresses the roles of wives, husbands, children, fathers, slaves, and masters. The overarching theme is to act in a manner that honors Christ, showing love, respect, and fairness in all relationships.
  5. Final Exhortations and Greetings (Colossians 4:2-18): Paul encourages the Colossians to devote themselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful. He requests prayer for his ministry and urges them to live wisely toward outsiders. Paul concludes the letter with greetings and instructions to share the letter with the neighboring church in Laodicea.

 

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