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Because believers have been raised with Christ, Paul calls the Colossians to live with a new focus and a new identity (v. 1). Their lives are no longer defined by earthly standards or spiritual shortcuts but by Christ Himself, who is seated at the right hand of God and reigns with authority (vv. 1–2, Psalm 110:1). Though their true life is presently hidden with Christ, it is secure and destined for glory when Christ appears again (vv. 3–4, Romans 8:29–30). This eternal perspective becomes the foundation for how believers live faithfully on earth.
Flowing from that identity, Paul urges believers to put to death the sins that once defined them—especially sexual immorality, greed, anger, and destructive speech—because these belong to the old self that has already been put off in Christ (vv. 5–9). In its place, believers have put on the new self, which is being renewed in the image of its Creator (v. 10, Ephesians 4:24). This new life breaks down every barrier of race, culture, and social status, because Christ is all and in all (v. 11, Galatians 3:28). The gospel does not merely improve behavior; it creates a new humanity centered on Jesus.
Paul then describes what this new life looks like in everyday relationships. As God’s chosen and beloved people, believers are to clothe themselves with compassion, kindness, humility, patience, forgiveness, and above all, love, which binds everything together in unity (vv. 12–14). The peace of Christ is to rule in the community, the word of Christ is to dwell richly through teaching and worship, and everything is to be done in the name of the Lord Jesus with thanksgiving (vv. 15–17). This Christ-centered life reaches into the home and workplace, shaping marriages, parenting, and daily labor, as every role is lived under the lordship of Christ and for His glory (vv. 18–25).
🌀 Reflection:
What habits, attitudes, or relationships reveal whether your mind is set more on earthly concerns or on the risen Christ who is your life?
💬 Mission Challenge:
Intentionally display one Christlike virtue today—such as forgiveness, patience, or kindness—in a relationship where it would normally be difficult.
Click here to return to the contents page for Phase 2.4 — The Savior, His Church, and the Mission.
Just Keith Harris 