Living the New Life in Christ

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Paul wrote Colossians to address false teachings threatening the church, emphasizing Christ’s supremacy and sufficiency. Chapter 2 concluded with warnings against legalism and empty philosophy, setting the stage for practical instructions on living the new life. Here, Paul transitions from doctrinal truths to ethical exhortations, showing how believers’ union with Christ reshapes their desires and behavior. Recognizing the cultural pressures and spiritual dangers the Colossians faced helps us grasp why Paul stresses putting off the old self and embracing Christ’s character.

What You'll Learn

• How the believer’s union with the risen Christ transforms their focus from earthly to heavenly things.
• The importance of mortifying sinful desires as evidence of dying to the old self in Christ.
• Why putting on virtues like mercy, kindness, and forgiveness reflects God’s holiness and love.
• How Christ’s return motivates believers to live in hope and glory.
• The role of peace and thankfulness in maintaining unity within the body of Christ.
• Practical instructions for Christian households that reflect God’s order and grace.

Believers live out their new identity in Christ by seeking heavenly things, putting off sin, and embracing Christlike love and peace.

Bible Translation Note: All Scripture on this page is quoted from the King James Version (KJV) and presented in full without alteration.

Colossians 3:1 If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God.

Colossians 3:2 Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth.

Colossians 3:3 For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God.

Colossians 3:4 When Christ, who is our life, shall appear, then shall ye also appear with him in glory.

Colossians 3:5 Mortify therefore your members which are upon the earth; fornication, uncleanness, inordinate affection, evil concupiscence, and covetousness, which is idolatry:

Colossians 3:6 For which things’ sake the wrath of God cometh on the children of disobedience:

Colossians 3:7 In the which ye also walked some time, when ye lived in them.

Colossians 3:8 But now ye also put off all these; anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy communication out of your mouth.

Colossians 3:9 Lie not one to another, seeing that ye have put off the old man with his deeds;

Colossians 3:10 And have put on the new man, which is renewed in knowledge after the image of him that created him:

Colossians 3:11 Where there is neither Greek nor Jew, circumcision nor uncircumcision, Barbarian, Scythian, bond nor free: but Christ is all, and in all.

Colossians 3:12 Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering;

Colossians 3:13 Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye.

Colossians 3:14 And above all these things put on charity, which is the bond of perfectness.

Colossians 3:15 And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful.

Colossians 3:16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.

Colossians 3:17 And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him.

Colossians 3:18 Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as it is fit in the Lord.

Colossians 3:19 Husbands, love your wives, and be not bitter against them.

Colossians 3:20 Children, obey your parents in all things: for this is well pleasing unto the Lord.

Colossians 3:21 Fathers, provoke not your children to anger, lest they be discouraged.

Colossians 3:22 Servants, obey in all things your masters according to the flesh; not with eyeservice, as menpleasers; but in singleness of heart, fearing God:

Colossians 3:23 And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men;

Colossians 3:24 Knowing that of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance: for ye serve the Lord Christ.

Colossians 3:25 But he that doeth wrong shall receive for the wrong which he hath done: and there is no respect of persons.

Colossians 3:1

If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God.

Study: This verse reminds believers that their spiritual resurrection with Christ redefines their priorities. Since Christ now reigns at God’s right hand, Christians are called to seek heavenly things—those aligned with His eternal kingdom—rather than temporary earthly desires. This focus reflects the believer’s new position in Christ and sets the foundation for holy living.

Colossians 3:2

Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth.

Study: Paul urges believers to fix their affections on heavenly realities rather than earthly matters, emphasizing the contrast between the old and new life. Affection here means deep desires and values, showing that transformation affects the heart’s orientation. This shift is vital because earthly things are transient, but heavenly things endure forever.

Colossians 3:3

For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God.

Study: The phrase 'ye are dead' signifies the believer’s spiritual death to sin and the old self, while their life is now hidden with Christ in God. This hidden life indicates security and intimacy with God, assuring believers that their true identity is secure in Christ. It also explains why earthly temptations lose their power over those united with Him.

Colossians 3:4

When Christ, who is our life, shall appear, then shall ye also appear with him in glory.

Study: Christ is described as 'our life,' highlighting that He is the source and sustainer of the believer’s new existence. The promise of appearing with Him in glory points to the future hope of resurrection and eternal fellowship. This future perspective encourages perseverance and holiness in the present.

Colossians 3:5

Mortify therefore your members which are upon the earth; fornication, uncleanness, inordinate affection, evil concupiscence, and covetousness, which is idolatry:

Study: Paul commands believers to 'mortify' or put to death earthly members—sinful desires like fornication and covetousness—because these are contrary to God’s holiness. Covetousness is called idolatry, revealing how sin replaces God’s rightful place in the heart. This call to active renunciation protects the believer’s new identity and witness.

Colossians 3:6

For which things’ sake the wrath of God cometh on the children of disobedience:

Study: The wrath of God is said to come upon the children of disobedience because of their sinful practices, underscoring the seriousness of sin. This warning serves to motivate believers to abandon former sinful ways and live in obedience, reflecting God’s justice and holiness.

Colossians 3:7

In the which ye also walked some time, when ye lived in them.

Study: Paul reminds the Colossians that they once lived in these sins, highlighting their past condition before conversion. This contrast encourages gratitude for God’s grace and a decisive break from former lifestyles, reinforcing the transformative power of the gospel.

Colossians 3:8

But now ye also put off all these; anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy communication out of your mouth.

Study: Believers are instructed to 'put off' attitudes like anger and malice, which disrupt community and reflect the old self. This verse shifts focus from external sins to internal attitudes, showing that holiness involves both behavior and heart posture essential for Christian unity.

Colossians 3:9

Lie not one to another, seeing that ye have put off the old man with his deeds;

Study: Lying is condemned because it belongs to the 'old man' with its deeds, emphasizing that truthfulness is a mark of the new life. The phrase 'put off' suggests a deliberate rejection of former sinful habits, highlighting the ethical transformation expected in Christ.

Colossians 3:10

And have put on the new man, which is renewed in knowledge after the image of him that created him:

Study: Putting on the 'new man' involves renewal in knowledge after God’s image, indicating ongoing spiritual growth. This renewal reflects God’s creative work in believers, restoring them to His likeness, which is the ultimate goal of sanctification.

Colossians 3:11

Where there is neither Greek nor Jew, circumcision nor uncircumcision, Barbarian, Scythian, bond nor free: but Christ is all, and in all.

Study: Paul emphasizes the breaking down of social and ethnic barriers in Christ, affirming that all believers share equal status. This unity reflects the new covenant reality where Christ is all and in all, promoting inclusivity and mutual respect within the church.

Colossians 3:12

Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering;

Study: Believers are called to clothe themselves with virtues like mercy and humility, which reflect God’s character and holiness. These qualities are marks of God’s chosen people, demonstrating how identity in Christ produces visible fruit in relationships.

Colossians 3:13

Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye.

Study: Forgiveness and forbearance are commanded as essential for maintaining unity, modeled on Christ’s forgiveness toward us. This practical exhortation shows that grace in community is not optional but necessary for reflecting God’s love.

Colossians 3:14

And above all these things put on charity, which is the bond of perfectness.

Study: Charity, or love, is described as the bond of perfectness, meaning it unites and completes all other virtues. Love is the supreme virtue that holds the Christian community together, reflecting the heart of God’s law and Christ’s teaching.

Colossians 3:15

And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful.

Study: Letting the peace of God rule in hearts connects inner tranquility with communal harmony, showing that peace is both a gift and a responsibility. Being thankful is linked to this peace, encouraging believers to cultivate gratitude as a foundation for unity.

Colossians 3:16

Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.

Study: The word of Christ dwelling richly involves teaching, admonishing, and worship through psalms and spiritual songs, highlighting the role of Scripture and praise in spiritual growth. This verse connects sound doctrine with heartfelt worship and mutual encouragement.

Colossians 3:17

And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him.

Study: Whatever believers do, in word or deed, must be done in Jesus’ name, giving thanks to God. This unites all aspects of life under Christ’s lordship, reminding believers that their actions are acts of worship and testimony.

Colossians 3:18

Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as it is fit in the Lord.

Study: Wives are instructed to submit to their husbands 'as is fit in the Lord,' indicating a voluntary, respectful submission grounded in mutual faith. This reflects God’s order for harmony in the home, rooted in reverence for Christ.

Colossians 3:19

Husbands, love your wives, and be not bitter against them.

Study: Husbands are commanded to love their wives and avoid bitterness, balancing the call for submission with sacrificial love. This mirrors Christ’s love for the church and promotes healthy, loving relationships.

Colossians 3:20

Children, obey your parents in all things: for this is well pleasing unto the Lord.

Study: Children’s obedience to parents is described as pleasing to the Lord, showing that family order honors God and supports spiritual growth. This command encourages respect and discipline within the Christian household.

Colossians 3:21

Fathers, provoke not your children to anger, lest they be discouraged.

Study: Fathers are warned not to provoke children to anger, which can discourage them, highlighting the need for loving, patient parenting. This protects the child’s well-being and fosters a nurturing environment.

Colossians 3:22

Servants, obey in all things your masters according to the flesh; not with eyeservice, as menpleasers; but in singleness of heart, fearing God:

Study: Servants are urged to obey earthly masters sincerely, not just to please men but fearing God, reflecting integrity in all work. This instruction elevates daily labor to an act of worship under Christ’s authority.

Colossians 3:23

And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men;

Study: Whatever is done should be done heartily as to the Lord, not men, encouraging wholehearted service motivated by devotion to Christ. This principle transforms ordinary tasks into spiritual acts, fostering excellence and faithfulness.

Colossians 3:24

Knowing that of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance: for ye serve the Lord Christ.

Study: Believers serve the Lord Christ and will receive an inheritance from Him, reminding them that earthly service has eternal significance. This promise motivates faithful obedience despite earthly challenges.

Colossians 3:25

But he that doeth wrong shall receive for the wrong which he hath done: and there is no respect of persons.

Study: God shows no partiality in judgment, ensuring that wrongdoers receive just recompense. This verse underscores God’s justice and the certainty of accountability, encouraging righteous living.

Colossians 3 exhorts believers to live in the reality of their resurrection with Christ by setting their minds on heavenly things and putting to death sinful behaviors. It contrasts the old self with the new, renewed in God’s image, and calls for practical holiness expressed in love, forgiveness, and peace. The chapter also provides guidance for Christian households, emphasizing mutual respect and service as acts of worship. Ultimately, it points to the believer’s hope in Christ’s return and the eternal reward that motivates holy living.

Lord Jesus, help me to live as one risen with You, setting my heart on things above and putting to death every sinful desire. Teach me to clothe myself with mercy, kindness, and love, reflecting Your holiness in my daily life. Fill me with Your peace and gratitude, so I may serve others wholeheartedly and honor You in all I do. Strengthen my hope in Your return and empower me to live faithfully until that glorious day. Amen.

• Memorize Colossians 3:1 and meditate on what it means to seek things above.
• Reflect daily on areas where you need to 'put off' old sinful habits and pray for God’s strength.
• Practice one act of mercy or kindness each day toward someone in your family or community.
• Confess any unforgiveness and intentionally forgive someone who has hurt you this week.
• Commit your daily work to the Lord with a prayer of dedication each morning.
• Journal how focusing on Christ’s return changes your perspective on current struggles.
• Read a psalm or spiritual song aloud to worship God and encourage your heart.

Colossians 3 challenges believers to live out their new identity in Christ by focusing on heavenly things and rejecting sinful behaviors. It calls for a transformation marked by love, forgiveness, peace, and wholehearted service, rooted in the hope of Christ’s return. This chapter provides practical guidance for personal holiness and healthy relationships, encouraging believers to reflect God’s character in every area of life.

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