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Colossians 3

25 verses

TL;DR

Colossians 3 urges believers to live out their new identity in Christ by abandoning sinful habits, practicing love, and honoring God in all relationships.

Summary

The chapter opens with a call for believers to focus on spiritual realities rather than earthly concerns, reminding them that they are dead in sin but alive in Christ. Paul then lists specific sinful behaviors to reject and encourages putting off the old self. He exhorts the community to adopt virtues such as humility, patience, and love, emphasizing charity as the bond of perfection. The text continues with practical instructions: worship in the Lord, sing with gratitude, and carry out all actions in Jesus’ name. Finally, Paul gives household directives—wives to submit, husbands to love, children to obey—and instructs servants to serve masters faithfully, concluding with a reminder that true reward comes from God and that justice requires treating all equally.

Outline
  1. 1‑15: New life in Christ—reject sin, adopt virtues, center on love.
  2. 16‑17: Worship, praise, and do everything in Jesus’ name.
  3. 18‑25: Household and civic conduct—family, servants, and justice.
Themes
Christian identity and new lifeHoliness and moral transformationLove and charity as central virtues
Keywords
ChristGodnew manold manlovecharitypeacesinholinessfamilyservants
People
PaulChristGodFather
Places
Colossae
Things
new manold mancharitypeace of Godword of Christfellowshiphouseholdservantsmasters
Key Verses
  • Colossians 3:1: Encourages believers to set their hearts on heavenly realities.
  • Colossians 3:5: Lists sinful behaviors to be abandoned, highlighting the need for spiritual mortification.
  • Colossians 3:10: Introduces the concept of 'the new man,' illustrating the believer’s transformed identity.
  • Colossians 3:14: Posits charity as the perfect bond that unites all virtues.
  • Colossians 3:25: Affirms that justice is impartial and that each person will face consequences.
Questions
  • How does Paul define the relationship between the new and old selves?
  • In what ways does the chapter connect personal holiness with communal conduct?
  • What does Paul mean by 'putting on' virtues, and how might this be practiced today?
  • How do the household instructions reflect broader theological principles?
  • Why does Paul emphasize doing everything in the name of the Lord Jesus?
Sentiment

mixed
The tone mixes exhortation with warning, showing both encouragement and admonition.