Colossians 3:5-17 is about putting off sinful behaviors and characteristics and embracing a new way of living in Christ, filled with compassion, kindness, humility, meekness, patience, forgiveness, and above all, love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony.
5 Put to death therefore what is earthly in you: sexual immorality, impurity, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry.
6 On account of these the wrath of God is coming.
7 In these you too once walked, when you were living in them.
8 But now you must put them all away: anger, wrath, malice, slander, and obscene talk from your mouth.
9 Do not lie to one another, seeing that you have put off the old self with its practices.
10 and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge after the image of its creator.
11 Here there is not Greek and Jew, circumcised and uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave, free; but Christ is all, and in all.
12 Put on then, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience,
13 bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive.
14 And above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony.
15 And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful.
16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God.
17 And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.
Setting the Scene for Colossians 3:5-17
In Colossians chapter 3, the scene is set in a bustling marketplace in the ancient city of Colossae. The apostle Paul is addressing a diverse group of early Christians who have gathered in a large open square surrounded by merchant stalls and bustling with activity. The air is filled with the sounds of vendors hawking their wares, the smell of spices and incense, and the chatter of people from various backgrounds and cultures.
Among the crowd are men and women from different social classes and ethnicities, including Jews, Greeks, and Romans. They have come together to hear Paul’s teachings on living a life in accordance with the teachings of Christ. Some are former idol worshippers, while others are Jewish converts or Gentiles who have recently embraced the Christian faith.
As Paul speaks, he emphasizes the importance of putting to death earthly desires and living a life that reflects the love and teachings of Jesus Christ. He encourages the believers to clothe themselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience, and above all, to let the peace of Christ rule in their hearts. The scene is one of unity and diversity, as people from different backgrounds come together to learn and grow in their faith.
What is Colossians 3:5-17 about?
When we are called to “live in Christ,” we are being called to cultivate a deep and intimate relationship with Him. We align our lives with His will by immersing ourselves in His teachings, embodying His values, and following His example. This connection serves as a guiding light, influencing our thoughts, actions, and decisions in every aspect of our lives. We, as believers in Christ, are called to let go of our old ways, our sinful nature, and the things that separate us from Him. This process of putting off the old self can be challenging and uncomfortable, but it is necessary in order to fully embrace the new life that Christ offers us.
Putting on the new self is about transformation and renewal. It involves adopting Christ-like qualities such as love, compassion, forgiveness, and humility. We reflect the image of Christ to the world and experience personal growth and spiritual maturity as we embrace these characteristics. This continuous cycle of putting off the old self and putting on the new self is a lifelong journey of faith and discipleship. It requires us to be intentional and proactive in seeking transformation through prayer, reflection, and action. Are you willing to let go of the old habits, attitudes, and behaviors that hinder your relationship with Christ? Are you ready to embrace the new life that He offers, filled with grace, hope, and purpose?
Understanding what Colossians 3:5-17 really means
Colossians 3:5-17 is a powerful exhortation from the Apostle Paul to the believers in Colossae, urging them to live a life that reflects their new identity in Christ. This passage can be divided into two main sections: the call to put to death earthly behaviors and the call to put on the new self, characterized by virtues that reflect Christ.
In verses 5-9, Paul emphasizes the need for a decisive break from sinful behaviors and attitudes. He urges believers to rid themselves of destructive behaviors such as anger, rage, malice, slander, and filthy language. These behaviors are not in line with the character of Christ, and Paul’s exhortation echoes similar calls in other epistles, such as Ephesians 4:31-32, which also emphasizes the importance of removing bitterness, rage, and adopting kindness and forgiveness.
Moving on to verses 10-17, Paul instructs believers to clothe themselves with virtues such as compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. These virtues are the hallmarks of a life transformed by Christ, as seen in Galatians 5:22-23, which lists the fruit of the Spirit. Forgiveness is also highlighted as a central theme, reflecting the forgiveness we have received from Christ, as emphasized in Matthew 6:14-15.
Love is presented as the supreme virtue that binds all other virtues together in perfect unity. This echoes the sentiments of 1 Corinthians 13, where love is described as preeminent and essential for fostering unity within the body of Christ. In a world marked by division and selfishness, the call to embody compassion, kindness, and love is more relevant than ever.
The passage’s meaningful phrases, such as “put to death,” “clothe yourselves,” “let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts,” and “let the word of Christ dwell in you richly,” provide practical guidance for believers. These phrases signify radical action to eliminate sin, the integration of virtues into our lives, allowing Christ’s peace and word to guide us.
In conclusion, Colossians 3:5-17 challenges us to live in a way that reflects our new identity in Christ. By putting to death our sinful nature and embracing Christ-like virtues, we can honor God and positively impact those around us. Let us heed Paul’s exhortation to live out our faith in a manner that glorifies God and embodies the transformative power of Christ in our lives.
How can we clothe ourselves in love daily?
We can clothe ourselves in love daily by imitating God’s love for us. We should also demonstrate these qualities in our relationships with others, just as God has shown us mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, patience, and forgiveness. We can further strengthen the bond of unity and peace among one another. We can cultivate a mindset of gratitude and an attitude of love towards one another by allowing the peace of Christ to rule in our hearts. This means being thankful for the people around us and showing appreciation for their presence in our lives. When we constantly remind ourselves of the love that God has shown us, we are more inclined to extend that same love to those around us, serving as a reflection of God’s love in our daily interactions.
Additionally, by letting the message of Christ dwell in us richly, we can consistently remind ourselves of the importance of love in our lives. This can be through meditating on Scripture, seeking guidance through prayer, and staying connected to a community of believers who can encourage and support us in living out a life of love daily.
Application
Think of life’s challenges as daily commutes and family responsibilities. Colossians 3:5-17 calls us to shed negative habits like we shed old, worn-out clothes. Instead, we must dress ourselves in compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. Strive to live in harmony, forgive like you’re resolving a family argument, and let peace rule your heart like a calm office on a productive day. Will you choose to embody these Christ-like qualities and share His love in every aspect of your life?
Reverend Michael Johnson is an experienced Church Minister with a profound expertise in spirituality and guidance. With a serene presence and a compassionate heart, he has faithfully served his congregation for over 20 years, leading them on a spiritual journey towards inner peace and enlightenment. Reverend Johnson’s extensive knowledge of religious philosophies and profound understanding of human nature have made him a trusted confidant and mentor to many, as he seamlessly weaves his profound wisdom into life teachings. Reverend Johnson’s calming demeanor and empathetic nature continue to uplift and heal souls, nurturing a sense of unity and tranquility within his community.