
Today, we’re going to explore Colossians 3, a chapter that offers incredible guidance on how to live a life that pleases God. This chapter is packed with practical advice on how to live out our faith in our daily lives. Whether you’re a student, a parent, or working a 9-to-5 job, the teachings in Colossians 3 can help you navigate life’s challenges with a sense of purpose and peace.
Colossians 3 was written by the Apostle Paul, one of the most influential figures in early Christianity. He wrote this letter while he was in prison, which shows his dedication to spreading the message of Jesus even in difficult circumstances. The Christians in Colossae were facing various challenges, including false teachings that were confusing them about their faith. Paul wrote this letter to encourage them, correct misunderstandings, and remind them of the importance of living a life that reflects their new identity in Christ.
Paul’s message is timeless. Even though it was written nearly 2,000 years ago, its relevance remains today. In a world where we often feel pulled in different directions and overwhelmed by life’s demands, Colossians 3 offers a roadmap for living with integrity, kindness, and a focus on what truly matters. It teaches us how to align our actions and attitudes with our faith, making our everyday lives a reflection of God’s love and grace.
In this article, we’ll break down the chapter into manageable sections, explain the context and meaning of each part, and provide practical ways to apply these lessons to our modern lives. We’ll also include a daily prayer and a daily promise to help you keep the teachings of Colossians 3 close to your heart.
Context of Colossians 3
The book of Colossians is one of the letters written by the Apostle Paul, and it’s part of the New Testament. Paul wrote this letter while he was in prison, probably around AD 60-62. The recipients were the Christians in Colossae, a small city in what is now modern-day Turkey. Although Paul had never visited the Colossian church, he had heard about their faith and the challenges they were facing through Epaphras, one of their leaders.
Paul’s main purpose in writing this letter was to address false teachings that were infiltrating the church. These teachings were a mix of Jewish legalism, Greek philosophy, and pagan mysticism. They were confusing the Colossian believers and leading them away from the true gospel. Paul wanted to refocus their attention on the supremacy and sufficiency of Christ.
Backstory to Colossians 3
In the first two chapters of Colossians, Paul emphasizes the greatness of Christ and the fullness that believers have in Him. He explains that Jesus is the image of the invisible God and that through Him, all things were created. Paul also highlights that believers are complete in Christ and that they should not be swayed by false teachings that diminish His work and authority.
By the time we get to Colossians 3, Paul shifts from doctrine to practical application. This chapter is all about how to live out the new life believers have in Christ. Paul starts by urging the Colossians to set their hearts and minds on things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God. He encourages them to put to death their earthly nature and to clothe themselves with virtues that reflect their new identity in Christ.
Breakdown of Colossians 3
Living as Those Made Alive in Christ (Verses 1-4):
- Paul begins by reminding the Colossians that since they have been raised with Christ, they should set their hearts on things above. This means prioritizing spiritual growth and focusing on eternal things rather than temporary earthly matters.
Rules for Holy Living (Verses 5-17):
- Paul provides a list of sinful behaviors to avoid, such as sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires, and greed. He instructs the believers to put these to death because they belong to their old life before knowing Christ.
- He then tells them what to “put on” as new creations in Christ: compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, patience, and above all, love. Paul emphasizes the importance of letting the peace of Christ rule in their hearts and being thankful.
Instructions for Christian Households (Verses 18-25):
- Paul gives practical advice for relationships within the family and workplace. He encourages wives to submit to their husbands, husbands to love their wives, children to obey their parents, and fathers not to embitter their children. He also instructs slaves to obey their earthly masters with sincerity, as if working for the Lord, and reminds masters to treat their slaves justly.
Applying Colossians 3 to Modern Life
In today’s world, it’s easy to get distracted by everyday stresses and challenges. Colossians 3 gives us practical advice on how to live a life that honors God. Here are some ways to apply this chapter to our lives:
- Focusing on the Eternal: Just like looking at the stars reminds us of the vastness of the universe, focusing on God’s eternal promises helps us keep perspective. When we face tough times, remembering that our true home is with God can bring comfort and strength.
- Cleaning Out the Clutter: Imagine your heart is like a room. To make it a welcoming place for Jesus, we need to clear out negative behaviors and thoughts. This might mean letting go of grudges, stopping harmful habits, or speaking kindly to others.
- Wearing Your Superhero Suit: Adopting qualities like kindness, humility, and patience is like putting on a superhero suit. These traits empower us to reflect Jesus’ love to the world. Each day, we can choose to “suit up” and make a positive difference.
- Finding Peace Amidst Chaos: In a world full of noise and conflict, letting the peace of Christ rule in our hearts is like finding a quiet oasis. By focusing on Jesus, we can experience calm and assurance, even when everything around us is chaotic.
Conclusion
Colossians 3 provides us with practical advice on living a life that pleases God. By focusing on eternal things, clearing out sinful behaviors, and adopting Christ-like qualities, we can navigate life’s challenges with peace and purpose. Keep your eyes on Jesus, and let His love and peace guide you every day.
Daily Promise
Philippians 4:7 (NIV): “And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”
This promise reassures us that God’s peace is always available to us, guarding our hearts and minds.
Daily Prayer
Heavenly Father,
Thank You for the guidance and wisdom in Colossians 3. Help me to focus on things above, clear out negative behaviors, and clothe myself with kindness and patience. Let Your peace rule in my heart, guiding me in all that I do. Strengthen me to live a life that honors You and reflects Your love to others.
In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.