This Week's Bible Study: Colossians 3:1-17

Introduction

In Colossians 3:1-17, the Apostle Paul presents an inspiring and convicting vision of the Christian life, one that is rooted in our union with Christ and oriented towards heavenly realities. This passage serves as a spiritual compass, guiding us to align our lives with our new identity in Christ.

Paul begins by reminding us of our resurrection with Christ: “If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God” (Col. 3:1). This echoes the words of the great hymn writer Isaac Watts, who wrote, “Love so amazing, so divine, demands my soul, my life, my all.” We cannot remain the same once we are “in Christ.” Our resurrection with Christ demands a reorientation of our entire being.

This reorientation can take place, according to the Apostle Paul, as you “set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth” (Col. 3:2). Here Paul calls us to look beyond the temporal and fix our gaze on the eternal. He then reminds us of our present reality: “For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God” (Col. 3:3). This imagery of being “hidden with Christ” should remind us that our old self has died, and our new life is secure in Christ.

The promise of future glory is presented in verse 4: “When Christ who is your life appears, then you also will appear with him in glory.” This verse is similar to Paul’s words in Galatians 2:20, in which the Apostle declares that Christ now lives his life in us and through us. What an incredible reality our new life in Christ truly is!

Paul then shifts to practical “rubber hits the road” exhortations, calling believers to “put to death” the earthly nature (Col. 3:5-9). This spiritual mortification is reminiscent of the Puritan pastor and theologian, John Owen’s classic work The Mortification of Sin, where he argues for the necessity of actively battling sin daily in the Christian life. On that note, Owen also famously said that you better be killing sin, or it will be killing you, recalling Romans 8:13.

The passage then pivots to the positive aspects of the Christian life, urging believers to “put on” the new self (Col. 3:10-14). This imagery of putting on new clothes is a powerful metaphor for spiritual transformation. This is vital in the Christian understanding of growing spiritually. Scripture clearly teaches us that we must first be born of the Spirit of God to have the power and desire to change. Then, we must do more than simply “quit” bad habits, but “put on Christ,” which means we must actively and intentionally pursue Christlikeness in our thoughts, words, deeds, desires, attitudes, etc. Thus, we replace the “old man” (our fallen and sinful nature) and put on the new, for we are now new creatures in Christ. Again, this whole pursuit can only happen as God’s Spirit empowers and directs us.

Paul culminates this section with a beautiful description of the Christian community, characterized by peace, thankfulness, and the word of Christ dwelling richly among them (Col. 3:15-16). Finally, Paul provides an overarching principle for Christian living: “And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him” (Col. 3:17). This Christ-exalting, God-centered, and holistic approach to life under the Lordship of Jesus Christ echoes the concept of “coram Deo” - living all of life before the face of God.

Key Principles

1.      Our union with Christ demands a reorientation of our entire being towards heavenly realities. This shift in focus is not escapism, but rather a recognition of our true identity and destiny in Christ.

2.      The Christian life involves both putting off the old self and putting on the new self. This process of spiritual transformation is ongoing and requires complete dependence upon and active cooperation with God’s grace. 

3.      The Christian community is to be characterized by love, peace, and thankfulness, with Christ’s word being treasured, meditated upon, and studied, setting the standard for both individual Christians, as well as God’s covenant community. This vision of communal life provides a powerful witness to the world of the transforming power of the gospel.

Bible Study Questions

1.      What does Paul mean when he says we have been “raised with Christ” in Colossians 3:1?

2.      How does the command to “seek the things that are above” (v. 1) relate to Jesus’ teaching in Matthew 6:33?

3.      What is the significance of Christ being “seated at the right hand of God” (v. 1)?

4.      How does Paul’s statement that our “life is hidden with Christ in God” (v. 3) relate to the concept of security in salvation? How does that relate to one’s assurance of salvation?

5.      What does Paul mean by “put to death” in Colossians 3:5, and how does this relate to Romans 8:13?

6.      How does the list of vices in Colossians 3:5-9 compare with similar lists in Galatians 5:19-21 and Ephesians 4:31?

7.      What does Paul mean by “put on” in Colossians 3:12, and how does this relate to Ephesians 4:24?

8.      How does the command to “let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts” (v. 15) relate to Philippians 4:7?

9.      What does it mean for the word of Christ to “dwell in you richly” (v. 16), and how does this relate to Psalm 119:11?

10.   How does the command to do everything “in the name of the Lord Jesus” (v. 17) relate to 1 Corinthians 10:31?

Questions for Discussion and Personal Reflection

1.      In what ways do you find yourself setting your mind on earthly things rather than heavenly things? 

2.      How has your understanding of your identity in Christ influenced your daily life and decisions?

3.      What areas of your life do you find most challenging to “put to death” as Paul instructs? 

4.      How can you cultivate a greater sense of thankfulness in your daily life? 

5.      In what ways can you let the peace of Christ rule in your heart, especially during times of conflict or stress? 

6.      How can you practically let the word of Christ dwell in you richly? 

7.      What does it look like for you to do everything “in the name of the Lord Jesus” and “for the glory of God” in your daily life – at home, work, church, community? 

8.      How has your experience of Christian community reflected or differed from Paul’s vision in this passage? 

9.      In what ways can you better “put on” the virtues listed in verses 12-14 in your relationships with others? 

10.   How does (should) the reality of your future appearance with Christ in glory impact your present choices and priorities?

Action Steps

1.      Commit to a daily practice of setting your mind on “things above” by spending the first 10 minutes of your day in prayer and meditation on a verse from Colossians 3. 

2.      Identify one “earthly” habit or attitude that needs to be “put to death” in your life. Create a specific plan to address this over the next month, including accountability with a trusted Christian friend.

3.      Choose one of the virtues listed in Colossians 3:12-14 to focus on this week. Each day, look for practical ways to demonstrate this virtue in your interactions with others. 

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