Colossian 3:1-17

Intro

Paul here begins a section where he focuses on practical Christian living, with the clear understanding that practical Christian living is built on the foundation of theological truth.

Read Colossians 3:1-4

I. vs. 1-4 Seek The Right Things

vs. 1 Raised with Christ

Because we know that Jesus is really raised from the dead, then our identification with Him becomes real.

It is only because we were raised with Christ that we can seek those things which are above.

The idea of being raised with Christ was introduced back in Colossians 2:12, where Paul used baptism to illustrate this spiritual reality.

Colossians 2:12 ESV

having been buried with him in baptism, in which you were also raised with him through faith in the powerful working of God, who raised him from the dead.

Now, seeing that we are raised with Christ, certain behavior is appropriate to us.

vs. 2-4 Set Your Mind

The best Christian living comes from minds that are fixed on heaven.

They realize that their lives are now hidden with Christ in God, and since Jesus is enthroned in heaven, their thoughts and hearts are connected to heaven also.

“The believer is to ‘seek the things… above.’

The word ‘seek’ marks aspiration, desire, and passion

The promise of the return of Jesus is not only that we will see His glory, but so that we also will appear with Him in glory.

Philippians 1:21 ESV

For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.

Here he shows that this idea was not just for special apostles, but for all believers

II. vs. 5-9 Put to Death the Old Life

Therefore = refers to vs. 1-4

We understand this fact that we can put to death the things in our life that are contrary to our identity with Jesus.

literally ‘to make dead,’

We are to wipe them out, completely exterminate the old way of life.

vs. 5 Immorality & Impurity

Each of these terms refers to sexual sins.

The word here translated sexual immorality refers to any intercourse outside marriage

The sins mentioned previously are part of the way the world lives and not the way Jesus lives. Every Christian is faced with a question: “Who will I identify with, the world or with Jesus?”

vs. 6 Wrath of God

These sins invite the wrath of God.

Because the world loves this kind of sinful lifestyle, they don’t come in humility to Jesus.

As they continue in these sins, it adds to their condemnation.

One sin is enough to send anyone to hell (James 2:10), but there are greater levels of condemnation

These sins may mark a world in rebellion against God, but they are in the past tense for the Christian.

vs. 7 Walking & Living in Sin

the Christian should not live like the sons of disobedience. A true Christian can not be comfortable in habitual sin.

It is possible – though tragic – that these sins should occasionally mark a Christian’s life, but they must not be a Christian’s walk, their manner of living.

vs. 8-9 Shut Your Mouth

The sins Paul next lists (anger, wrath, and so forth) are regarded by many as “little” sins that Christians may overlook with little danger.

Paul challenges us to put off the old man in every area of our lives.

Each of these sins are primarily committed by what we say. When Paul calls the believer to a deeper obedience, he tells us to bridle our tongue

You have put off the old man with his deeds means that in Jesus Christ, the saints of God are different people.

2 Corinthians 5:17 ESV

Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.

III. vs. 10-15 Put On the New You

vs. 10 Be Renewed

Romans 12:2 ESV

Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.

vs. 11 Equal Ground

vs. 12 Bear Fruit

vs. 13 Forgive One Another

vs. 14 Put on Love

vs. 15 Let Peace Rule in Your Hearts

IV. vs. 16-17 Let the Word Dwell Deep

vs. 16 Teach, Correct, & Sing

vs. 17 Do It in the Name of Jesus