Colossians + Philemon | Reading Plan + Study QuestionsSample

COLOSSIANS 3

PUT ON THE NEW SELF + EMBRACE THE QUALITIES OF CHRIST

In response to the resurrection of Jesus, Paul encourages the believers to also put on their new selves and be raised with Christ. Desiring their attention to be focused on God, Paul tells the followers of Jesus to set their minds on things above, not the things of the earth. Paul lists some of the earthly ways to put to death, including sexual immorality, impurity, evil desires, and idolatry. Paul also tells them to put away anger, wrath, malice, slander, and obscene talk.

Instead, they are to put on compassionate hearts of kindness, humility, meekness, patience, and forgiveness. Above all else, believers are to adorn love, which brings everything together in perfect harmony. Paul calls believers to let the peace of God rule in their hearts, serving as the guiding force for their lives.

Paul instructs the believers that they will be able to do these things if the Word of Christ dwells within them, teaching them to be wise and thankful. Paul teaches them that whatever they do, in action or in words, should be done in the name of Jesus.

Paul provides rules for Christian households, teaching husbands to love their wives and not be harsh with them. When husbands are following the example of Christ, their wives are able to follow their lead. Paul also teaches husbands to not provoke or discourage their children. He encourages working for the glory of God, not the approval of humanity. In the end, God will provide a better reward and inheritance than any earthly earnings could provide. In a time when women, children, and workers were often seen as property, Paul’s instructions are honoring to everyone and radically progressive.

STUDY QUESTIONS

What are some practical ways to “set your mind on things above, not on things that are on the earth” (Colossians 3:2)?

What did Paul call believers to “put to death”?

How can the peace of Christ rule in your heart (Colossians 3:15)?