1
Therefore, if you have been raised together with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God.
2
Set your mind on the things that are above, not on the things that are on the earth.
3
For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God.
4
When Christ, who is our life, is revealed, then you also will be revealed with Him in glory.
5
Therefore put to death in yourselves whatever is earthly: sexual immorality, impurity, passion, evil desire, and greed, which is idolatry,
6
because of these things the wrath of God comes [upon the disobedient].
7
You also once walked in these things when you lived in them.
8
But now put away all these things: anger, wrath, malice, slander, and filthy speech from your mouth.
9
Do not lie to one another, since you have put off the old self with its practices,
10
and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge according to the image of its Creator;
11
in this there is no longer Greek or Jew, circumcised or uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave or free, but Christ is all and in all.
12
Therefore, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience.
13
Bear with one another and forgive one another if anyone has a complaint against another; just as the Lord forgave you, so you also must do.
14
And above all these things, put on love, which is the bond that unites and perfects.
15
Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, for to this you were called as one body. And be thankful.
16
Let the word of Christ dwell among you richly, so that with all wisdom you teach and admonish one another, and with psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs you sing with gratitude in your hearts to God.
17
And whatever you do, in word or in deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through Him to God, our Father.
18
Wives, submit to your husbands, as is fitting in the Lord.
19
Husbands, love your wives and do not be harsh with them.
20
Children, obey your parents in everything, for this is pleasing in the Lord.
21
Fathers, do not embitter your children, so that they may not lose heart.
22
Slaves, obey your earthly masters in all things, not only when they are watching, as if to please them, but with sincerity of heart, fearing the Lord.
23
Whatever you do, do it with all your heart, as for the Lord and not for men.
24
You know that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance appointed for you as your reward. Christ is the Master, and you are his servants.
25
Whoever does wrong will bear the wrong he has done, for the Lord shows no partiality.
📖 Colossians 3 – New Life in Christ
🧾 Summary of the Content
Colossians 3 contains Paul’s exhortation about how believers ought to live who have been raised with Christ. The focus is on putting off the old self and putting on the new self, living in love, and applying this in social relationships — household, church, and society.
✨ Explanation by Section
| Verse | Main Point | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| 1–4 | Set your minds on things above | Because we have been raised with Christ, the focus of our lives should be heavenly, not worldly. |
| 5–11 | Put away the sins of the old self | Paul tells us to put to death sinful deeds such as lust, greed, anger, and lying. |
| 12–17 | Put on the new self in love | Believers should live in compassion, humility, patience, mutual forgiveness, and the love of Christ that binds everything together. |
| 18–25 | Christian household ethics | Paul advises wives, husbands, children, and slaves to live in obedience, love, and sincerity. |
| 4:1 | (continuation of the passage from chapter 3) | Masters are also reminded to treat their servants justly, because they too are subject to the Lord. |
📘 Main Teaching
- Center life on Christ
“Set your mind on things above” means directing our hearts and minds to eternal things, not only to earthly matters. - Put off the old self
We are called to leave behind the old way of life — including inward sins (lust, pride) and outward sins (filthy speech, anger, hatred). - Put on the new self
New life in Christ is marked by love, forgiveness, peace, and the word dwelling in the heart. - Love as the chief bond
Love unites all the virtues of Christ’s followers — compassion, patience, gentleness — and strengthens relationships within the community of Christ’s followers. - The family and social ethics of Christ’s followers
Colossians 3 teaches a structure of responsibility in family and work, with Christ as the center of authority and love.
✨ Spiritual Meaning
Colossians 3 is a roadmap for the true life of Christ’s followers. Christianity is not merely an identity, but a real transformation of life — beginning with the mind, character, and daily actions. To live in Christ means to die to sin, and to live so as to reflect His love and holiness.
💡 Key Verse
“Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth.”
(Colossians 3:2)
“And above all these things: put on love, as the bond that unites and perfects.”
(Colossians 3:14)
“Whatever you do in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus.”
(Colossians 3:17)
