The Apostle Paul wrote the book of Colossians to provide guidance around the Christian way of life. Since Chapter 3 of the Colossians is a clear illustration on how believers are supposed to live their lives according to sacrifices made by Jesus Christ, it requires special attention.
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The Call to Seek the Things Above (Colossians 3:1-4)
Christians are encouraged in Chapter 3 to redirect their attention on higher rather than lesser “things” in life. In this case, Paul makes it clear in the first four verses that Jesus is the one who offers to reign your heart, so IT must be your choice to place your HEARt and mind in HIM. This is not only a simple suggestion; rather it is a command that reinforces the core principles of a believer’s life.
The Significance of Setting Our Hearts on Heaven
Even when Paul is speaking about worldly goals and achievements, his central argument is what spiritual goal can this be directed towards. By setting your heart on something above, you are literally channeling your earthly value-system onto God’s eternal heaven, which unsurprisingly is contrary to our common understanding as it discourages pleasure driven values.
Christ Is Our Life
When Paul wrote in verse 3, “For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God,” he made an astonishing claim. This statement suggests that believers are not to be governed by the desires of this world, but instead, live within the boundaries of the Kingdom of God. We must understand that our life is Christ, and this demands a new order of identity in Him.
Putting Off the Old Self (Colossians 3:5-9)
In the next verses, Paul moves towards a more direct encouragement: believers must put to rest their old sinful self. This part outlines in detail many of the attitudes and actions that cannot be part of a Christian’s life.
The Destructive Nature of Sin
Paul lists some sins as sexual immorality, covetousness, anger and slander. With no surprise these behaviors hinder relationships and spiritual maturity. He states this list represents the “earthly nature” and it is the duty of every Christian to deny such conduct.
The Call to Live a New Life
Jesus teaches that a modern Christian should take off the ‘old self’ by setting aside their past identity. Such a task requires patience, love, and forgiveness. Thus, the old self is not just embraced by sin, but also inactively living apart from Christ.
Putting on the New Self (Colossians 3:10-14)
In these verses Paul identifies the important shift in focus of discussing the old self and moving on to the new self. Paul claims, “the new self” bears the image of virtues such as kindness, humility, compassion, and forgiving others.
The Power of Forgiveness
Verse 13 is particularly striking: “Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone.” Paul understands the power of forgiveness. He believes it is central to Christianity, and by forgiving others, we too are afforded the grace of Christ.
Unity in Christ
It is clearly noted in verse eleven that there is no discrimination among people in Christ based on race, status, or background. We, as members of the Church, are required to unite in the love of Christ regardless of background.
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Manifestation of Christ Peace And Word In Our Lives (Colossians 3:15-17)
Paul moves on to ask the believers to allow the peace of Christ to rule their hearts. This peace is a governing body of feelings and emotions. In addition, believers should let the Word of Christ to dwell richly in them.
Life In Christ Is Full Of Peace
Letting Christ’s peace rule your heart allows you to deal with the challenges of live with grace. The Peace Paul talks about in, “Letting the peace Christ rules your heart,’ is the essence of serenity. Life struggles, interpersonal relationships, and decision making becomes effortless. The struggles of life is simplified by letting Christ’s peace toward difficulties in life.
The Strength of God’s Word
The Bible remains a cornerstone of Christianity and this centrality is evident in Paul’s Colsoans 3: 16. Paul encourages believers to allow the Word of Christ to dwell richly within them, strive to teach, and seek correction toward one another. The action is quite the opposite of passive, it necessiates active work, thought and participation of Scripture in one’s daily routine from the start.
Daily Application of Colossians 3
The implementation of Colossians 3 teachings is not limited to Sunday mornings only. It requires intentional work on such principles day by day and in every aspect of life.
In Relationships: Sharing the Love of Christ
Living out virtues of Christianity such as care, kindness, humility and forgiveness has a direct relationship effect. On a personal level or psychologically, at home, at work or at school, believers are expected to show compassion as an expression of love to Christ.
In Work: Worshiping the Lord Through Work
As it is stated in Colosians 3: 23 “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart as working for the Lord, not for human masters..” This is a reminder to remember God in everything that we do, as he is the one we are serving and working for. From stay-at-home parents to corporate professionals, if one does their work as an offering to God, then such position transforms from being a mundane task to sacred work.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What does it mean to “put off the old self” in Colossians 3?
In the past, “putting off the old self” meant rejecting sinful behaviors and attitudes that were a part of your life. It entails turning away from anger, greed, and lust while accepting life in Christ.
How can I allow the peace of Christ to rule in my heart?
To allow the peace of Christ to rule in your heart, trust Him, practice forgiveness, and let His Word influence your thoughts and actions. When you are rooted in God’s peace, it will help you to make decisions and relate with others.
What does Colossians 3 say about forgiveness?
Colossians 3:13 teaches that forgiveness is important in the life of a Christian. As Christ forgave us, we also need to forgive others, even when it is hard. Forgiveness is vital for healing relationships and keeping the peace among the body of Christ.
How does Colossians 3 help us with relationships?
Colossians 3 guides believers to practice love, kindness, humility, and patience in relationships. It underscores forgiveness and unity that forms a community where interactions among people reflect love as taught by Christ.
What is the meaning of “setting your mind on things above”?
“Setting your mind on things above” refers to prioritizing spiritual over earthly values and the things that matter, such as focusing on an individual’s essence rather than the external. It includes seeking God’s purpose and intention in any processes, activities, or aspects of life that a person engages in.
How can I practically work with Colossians 3?
Living out the principles of “put on compassion; forgive,” “seek peace,” and “which all these things,” means practice true compassion, forgiveness, and kindness not only to other people, but also to yourself as whatever you do should be to the honor of the greatest God.
Conclusion
The book of Colossians 3 contains applicable wisdom for a Christian’s life. Lives that are honoring to God can come from a posture of setting our hearts on things above and having undergone the process of taking off the old sinful self and being clothed with the new self which is in Christ. Striving towards Christ’s peace ruling in our hearts and Christ’s Word transforming us makes us instruments of loving the world. The message of Colossians 3 is that the hope holds out to us is to have a transformed heart that putting our faith into action in every area of our life.