Main Highlights
Paul commands believers to set their minds on things above, put to death earthly desires, and put on the new self, characterized by compassion, kindness, humility, and above all, love.
Key Verses
"If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God."— Colossians 3:1
"And above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony."— Colossians 3:14
Related Scripture
"Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come."— 2 Corinthians 5:17
Scholar Insight
""Colossians 3 brilliantly links our theological position in Christ with our practical, daily behavior. Because we died and rose with Him, we must now deliberately kill our sin and clothe ourselves with His character." - N.T. Wright"
Theological Analysis
What we learn about God
God is holy and His wrath is coming upon the sons of disobedience, but He is also the one who chooses, forgives, and deeply loves His people.
Christological Connection
Jesus is the believer's very life. He is seated at the right hand of God, and He is all, and in all, uniting people from every background.
Systematic Theology
Sanctification and Union with Christ. Our ethical behavior is directly rooted in our spiritual union with the resurrected Christ.
Law & Grace
We are no longer under the condemnation of the Law, but because of the Grace of our new identity in Christ, we are empowered to fulfill the Law of love.
Personal Application
We must actively kill sinful habits (anger, malice, lust, lying), forgive others as the Lord forgave us, and let the peace of Christ rule in our hearts.