The Letter to the Colossians and the Letter to PhilemonSample

If we don't have to add anything, that doesn't mean it doesn't matter how we live. Paul means the exact opposite. Because Jesus lives in us and we share in God's power through Him, we can live differently—and we should. Paul shows a clear contrast: a life without the fullness of God (3:5–9) and a life with the fullness of God (3:11–17).

"Put to death the members"—or a better translation: "Let the members die off". Paul is alluding to the Jewish idea that sin works in individual body parts (cf. Romans 7:5, 23; James 4:1). Vices control the members, and Paul calls on us to strip them of their power. This is an ongoing process and will never be fully completed in this life. But its foundation and strength are in the one who lives in us: Jesus Christ, the fullness of God.

The order is crucial. Paul first emphasizes: We have already died. That is the foundation. We should focus on what has already happened: We have died to sin and already have the new life in Christ. This changes our entire purpose and goal in life. We no longer live for what is on earth but for what is above—with Christ.

In this process, we will fall and sin again and again. But we can be sure: it's not about us, but about Jesus. He is the author and perfecter of our faith (cf. Hebrews 12:2) and works both the will and the deed in us.

What helps you to direct your heart toward what is above?