Colossians Chapter 3
A. Put Off the Old Man
1. Colossians 3:1–4 — The Basis for Paul’s Practical Instruction
“If then you were raised with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ is, sitting at the right hand of God. Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth. For you died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. When Christ who is our life appears, then you also will appear with Him in glory.” (Colossians 3:1–4, NKJV)
Paul transitions from doctrinal teaching to practical Christian living. The key is identity: the believer has been united with Christ in His death and resurrection. Therefore, the focus must shift from earthly attachments to heavenly realities.
“If then you were raised with Christ” echoes Colossians 2:12, reminding believers of their spiritual resurrection, symbolized in baptism. This is not hypothetical, but a certainty with real implications.
Christ is “sitting at the right hand of God” — a reference to Psalm 110:1, indicating sovereign authority and completion of redemptive work (cf. Hebrews 1:3). Believers now live under that authority.
To “seek those things which are above” means to pursue the priorities of heaven: holiness, truth, love, and eternal purpose — not earthly ambition, sensuality, or selfish gain.
The phrase “Set your mind on things above” calls for an intentional, disciplined focus on Christ and eternity. It requires spiritual reorientation and mental discipline (cf. Romans 12:2; Philippians 4:8).
“For you died” emphasizes the believer’s death to the world (Galatians 2:20). The old self is crucified with Christ.
“Your life is hidden with Christ in God” speaks of security and intimacy. The world cannot see or comprehend the believer’s true life, but it is secure in Christ (cf. John 10:28–29).
“When Christ who is our life appears”: Jesus is not merely the giver of life—He is our life (Philippians 1:21). When He returns in glory (Titus 2:13), believers will be glorified with Him (Romans 8:17, 30).
2. Colossians 3:5–7 — Put to Death the Things That Are Against God
“Therefore put to death your members which are on the earth: fornication, uncleanness, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry. Because of these things the wrath of God is coming upon the sons of disobedience, in which you yourselves once walked when you lived in them.” (Colossians 3:5–7, NKJV)
The believer’s union with Christ must result in decisive moral action. Paul exhorts believers to execute judgment on the sin that remains within them.
“Put to death your members which are on the earth”: The verb (νεκρώσατε, nekrosate) means to utterly slay or exterminate. This is not passive suppression but active mortification, echoed in Romans 8:13 — “if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live.”
The sins listed here are primarily sexual in nature and reflect the pagan world’s values. Each is a step deeper into moral decay:
Fornication (porneia): any sexual activity outside of biblical marriage.
Uncleanness: impurity in thought, word, or deed.
Passion: uncontrolled sexual lust.
Evil desire: craving what is forbidden; inner corruption that precedes the act.
Covetousness: greed and selfish desire for more — Paul clarifies this “is idolatry”, because it enthrones desire in the place of God.
These sins are not isolated behaviors but represent the old nature (cf. Ephesians 4:22). They must be decisively cut off.
“Because of these things the wrath of God is coming”: God’s judgment is real and certain against such rebellion (cf. Romans 1:18; Ephesians 5:5–6). This serves as both warning and motivation.
“Upon the sons of disobedience”: This is a Semitic phrase for those whose nature and conduct are characterized by rebellion against God.
“In which you yourselves once walked”: These sins may describe the world, but not the believer’s current lifestyle. They represent past tense living. Christians are not sinless, but sin is no longer their master (Romans 6:12–14).
A. Put Off the Old Man (Continued)
3. Colossians 3:8–9 — Removing Other Traces of Worldliness
“But now you yourselves are to put off all these: anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy language out of your mouth. Do not lie to one another, since you have put off the old man with his deeds.” (Colossians 3:8–9, NKJV)
Paul moves from sins of lust and greed (verse 5) to sins of attitude and speech — sins which often dwell undetected in the heart, yet are just as destructive in a church body. These are not “respectable sins,” but corruptions that must be decisively rejected.
“But now you yourselves are to put off all these”: The phrase “put off” means to strip away, like taking off a soiled, tattered garment. This is not a casual suggestion but a command. The believer must deliberately and urgently remove these behaviors, having no tolerance for what belongs to the old man. These are sins that fracture relationships within the body of Christ.
“Anger, wrath, malice”: These three progress in severity:
Anger (orgē): a settled, smoldering hostility.
Wrath (thumos): sudden outbursts of rage or fury.
Malice (kakia): the desire to injure or harm another, rooted in hate.
All are incompatible with love, patience, and gentleness — fruit of the Spirit. The Spirit of Christ brings peace; the old man fosters resentment.
“Blasphemy” in this context means abusive speech — not only against God, but slanderous words against fellow believers. It is speech that dishonors others, whether in tone, insult, gossip, or cursing.
“Filthy language out of your mouth”: This includes obscenities, vulgar jokes, innuendo, and crass sarcasm. Paul told the Ephesians, “Let no corrupt word proceed out of your mouth, but what is good for necessary edification, that it may impart grace to the hearers.” (Ephesians 4:29, NKJV)
“Do not lie to one another”: Lying violates both truth and trust. Whether verbal, nonverbal, or deceptive silence, any form of dishonesty is condemned. Satan is the father of lies (John 8:44), but Jesus is the truth (John 14:6). God’s people must reflect His nature. A dishonest tongue breaks fellowship and invites discipline (Proverbs 6:16–19).
“Since you have put off the old man with his deeds”: This affirms a decisive break with the old way of life. The “old man” — our unregenerate self — was crucified with Christ (Romans 6:6). That former identity, with its patterns and habits, no longer defines the believer. Paul is saying: “You’ve already taken off the corpse—so don’t keep dragging it around.”
“When a tide of passion or a surge of anger is felt, it must be dealt with as the alien intruder it really is, and turned out of the house as having no right to be there at all, let alone to be giving orders.” (Wright)
Key Application:
Paul stresses that transformation includes how we treat one another, not just private holiness. The true Christian life manifests in both sexual purity and relational integrity. Churches often emphasize one at the expense of the other, but Paul insists both are non-negotiable in walking worthy of Christ.
B. Put On the New Man
1. Colossians 3:10–11 — As We Put Off the Old, We Must Put On the New
“And have put on the new man who is renewed in knowledge according to the image of Him who created him, where there is neither Greek nor Jew, circumcised nor uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave nor free, but Christ is all and in all.” (Colossians 3:10–11, NKJV)
Paul now shifts from removal to renewal. The Christian life is not only about what we forsake — it’s about what we become.
“Have put on the new man”: This again refers to changing clothes — laying aside the filthy garment of the old man and putting on the clean robe of righteousness in Christ. The “new man” is the regenerate believer, created anew in Christ Jesus (2 Corinthians 5:17).
“Who is renewed in knowledge”: The verb form implies an ongoing renewal. The new man does not arrive in perfection, but is continually being transformed by the knowledge of God. This echoes Romans 12:2, “And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind...” (NKJV)
“According to the image of Him who created him”: This clearly references Genesis 1:27 — “So God created man in His own image; in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them.” (NKJV). Now, through Christ, the fallen image is being restored. Believers are being conformed to the image of Christ, the second Adam (Romans 8:29; 1 Corinthians 15:45–49).
“Where there is neither Greek nor Jew...”: In the new creation, all worldly distinctions vanish. The church is not divided by ethnicity (Greek or Jew), ritual (circumcised or uncircumcised), culture (barbarian or Scythian), or status (slave or free). This radical equality within the body of Christ was revolutionary in Paul’s day — and remains countercultural today.
“Barbarian” referred to anyone not fluent in Greek language or customs.
“Scythian” were the most despised and savage of the uncivilized peoples.
In Roman society, slaves were considered property. In Christ, they became brothers (see Philemon 16).
“But Christ is all and in all”: This is the heart of the passage. Jesus is everything to the believer — the source, the goal, the identity, the unity. All distinctions are transcended because Christ indwells every believer, regardless of earthly labels.
“There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus.” (Galatians 3:28, NKJV)
2. Colossians 3:12–17 — Life of the New Man
“Therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, put on tender mercies, kindness, humility, meekness, longsuffering; bearing with one another, and forgiving one another, if anyone has a complaint against another; even as Christ forgave you, so you also must do. But above all these things put on love, which is the bond of perfection. And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to which also you were called in one body; and be thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord. And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.” (Colossians 3:12–17, NKJV)
a. Therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved…
Paul reminds believers of their new identity: chosen by God, made holy in Christ, and deeply loved. These are not earned titles, but gracious declarations of our standing in Christ. “Elect” is not a term to be feared—it is to be treasured as a reminder that our salvation is God's initiative (cf. Ephesians 1:4–6; 2 Thessalonians 2:13).
“Holy” means set apart unto God.
“Beloved” reflects God’s covenant affection for His people.
This standing lays the groundwork for living out our new identity through godly character in community.
b. Put on tender mercies, kindness, humility, meekness, longsuffering…
This is the wardrobe of the new man. These traits replace the anger, wrath, malice, and slander mentioned earlier. Every virtue listed here is relational — they govern how we treat people. This is the fruit of regeneration.
“Tender mercies”: Literally, “bowels of mercy” — a deep, gut-level compassion toward the hurting. It means being emotionally moved by the afflictions of others.
“Kindness” (chrestotes): A goodness that is gentle, mellow, and useful to others. It was used of aged wine that had become smooth over time — not harsh.
“Humility” (tapeinophrosynē): In Greek culture, humility was not admired, but the gospel turns that upside down. It is the lowliness of mind that esteems others better than self (Philippians 2:3).
“Meekness” (prautēs): Power under control. It is strength restrained for the sake of others.
“Longsuffering” (makrothumia): Patience with people — enduring their weaknesses, delays, and even offenses without losing grace or composure.
These virtues are not natural to the flesh. They are the supernatural fruit of walking in the Spirit (cf. Galatians 5:22–23).
c. Bearing with one another, and forgiving one another…
The verb “bearing with” implies enduring others’ shortcomings without resentment. The Christian community is not perfect; mutual forbearance is essential.
“Forgiving one another”: The standard is not what others deserve, but how Christ forgave us. This is not optional — “so you also must do.”
“And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you.” (Ephesians 4:32, NKJV)
Jesus told the parable of the unforgiving servant (Matthew 18:21–35) to drive home the scandal of receiving great mercy from God while withholding forgiveness from others. The one who has been forgiven the most is expected to forgive the most.
d. But above all these things put on love, which is the bond of perfection…
Love is the overarching virtue that binds all others together. Without love, kindness becomes condescension, meekness becomes weakness, and patience becomes passivity. Love is the “belt” that holds the new man’s wardrobe together.
“Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I have become sounding brass or a clanging cymbal… But above all these things put on love, which is the bond of perfection.” (1 Corinthians 13:1, Colossians 3:14, NKJV)
This is agapē love — self-giving, sacrificial, enduring love. It is not emotion, but action. The love of Christ compels us (2 Corinthians 5:14) and defines maturity (1 John 4:12).
e. And let the peace of God rule in your hearts… and be thankful.
“Let the peace of God rule”: The Greek word brabeuō is used for an umpire or judge — let the peace of God “call the shots” in your heart. If a decision robs your peace, it may not be of God.
This is not merely internal tranquility, but peace within the body of Christ, to which we were “called in one body.” Unity is a product of peace (Ephesians 4:3).
“Be thankful”: Gratitude must saturate the believer’s mindset. This theme recurs repeatedly in Colossians (1:3, 1:12, 2:7, 3:15–17, 4:2).
f. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly… singing with grace…
The “word of Christ” is the message of the gospel, the revealed truth of Scripture — and it is to dwell “richly”, not marginally, in our lives.
“Teaching and admonishing one another”: This is mutual — not limited to pastors or teachers. Every believer is to disciple and encourage others in the Word.
“Psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs”:
Psalms: Old Testament songs.
Hymns: Christ-centered praises.
Spiritual songs: Spontaneous expressions of praise.
The goal is edification, not performance. Singing is an overflow of the Word filling the heart.
“Speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord.” (Ephesians 5:19, NKJV)
g. And whatever you do… do all in the name of the Lord Jesus…
This sweeping conclusion ties together the whole passage:
“Whatever you do”: This includes work, speech, marriage, ministry, parenting — all of life.
“In the name of the Lord Jesus”: This means acting in His authority, according to His character, and for His glory.
“Giving thanks to God the Father through Him”: Every aspect of the new man’s life is undergirded with gratitude. Christ is the center, and the Father is glorified through Him (cf. John 14:13).
4. Colossians 3:20–21 — The New Man’s Parent and Child Relationship
“Children, obey your parents in all things, for this is well pleasing to the Lord. Fathers, do not provoke your children, lest they become discouraged.” (Colossians 3:20–21, NKJV)
This passage emphasizes the necessity of godly order in the Christian household, building on Paul’s larger theme: putting off the old man and putting on the new. Just as marriage is transformed by Christ (Colossians 3:18–19), so also is the parent-child relationship.
a. “Children, obey your parents in all things”
“Children” here refers to minors still under parental authority. Paul echoes the fifth commandment: “Honor your father and your mother” (Exodus 20:12), yet expands it to include obedience in all things. This does not mean blind obedience in sinful matters, but complete compliance within the boundaries of what is righteous and just.
This obedience is not conditioned on the parent's competence or personality. It is rooted in the God-ordained structure of the family (cf. Ephesians 6:1–3).
“Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. ‘Honor your father and mother,’ which is the first commandment with promise: ‘that it may be well with you and you may live long on the earth.’” (Ephesians 6:1–3, NKJV)
Obedience here is not merely external compliance, but active listening with a willing heart. Children must be taught that their submission to parents trains them for a life of submitting to the authority of God.
b. “For this is well pleasing to the Lord”
This clause elevates obedience from mere parental expectation to divine delight. God is pleased when children walk in submission, because it mirrors the obedience of the Son to the Father.
It also prepares children for future submission to other God-ordained authorities — government, employers, church leadership.
Disobedience to parents is listed among the signs of a morally decaying society (Romans 1:30; 2 Timothy 3:2).
Submission in the home reinforces submission to the Lord. It is part of the spiritual formation of the child.
c. “Fathers, do not provoke your children”
“Fathers” may broadly include both parents, but especially emphasizes the leadership role of the father in the home. Fathers bear primary responsibility for the emotional and spiritual climate.
To provoke is to embitter, irritate, or stir up frustration. This can happen by:
Harsh discipline
Unrealistic expectations
Inconsistency
Over-control
Lack of affection
Neglect or favoritism
Constant criticism
“And you, fathers, do not provoke your children to wrath, but bring them up in the training and admonition of the Lord.” (Ephesians 6:4, NKJV)
d. “Lest they become discouraged”
Children who grow up under harsh, unreasonable parenting may become discouraged, meaning to lose heart, to feel defeated, or to become indifferent. The joy of childhood is crushed under the weight of impossible standards.
Such discouragement can grow into rebellion, withdrawal, or bitterness toward authority — including God.
Christian parents are to reflect the nature of God in parenting: firm in truth, but abounding in mercy and grace.
5. Colossians 3:22–4:1 — The New Man’s Servant and Master Relationship
“Bondservants, obey in all things your masters according to the flesh, not with eyeservice, as men-pleasers, but in sincerity of heart, fearing God. And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance; for you serve the Lord Christ. But he who does wrong will be repaid for what he has done, and there is no partiality. Masters, give your bondservants what is just and fair, knowing that you also have a Master in heaven.” (Colossians 3:22–4:1, NKJV)
Paul now applies the "new man" principle to work relationships, particularly within the Roman structure of slavery. Though slavery is no longer culturally relevant in this form, the principles apply directly to modern employer-employee relationships.
a. “Bondservants, obey in all things your masters according to the flesh”
“Bondservants” (Greek: douloi) were slaves, considered property in Roman society. Yet Paul addresses them with dignity, as moral agents with responsibility before God.
“Masters according to the flesh” reminds us that the authority of earthly masters is temporary and limited.
Paul does not endorse slavery, but speaks into its context with the aim of transformation. The early church planted the seeds of abolition by declaring that all are one in Christ (Galatians 3:28).
b. “Not with eyeservice… but in sincerity of heart, fearing God”
“Eyeservice” means working only when being watched. This is hypocrisy, not integrity.
Christian workers must serve in sincerity of heart, knowing they ultimately answer to God, not man.
“Fearing God”: reverence toward the Lord motivates integrity even when no one else is watching.
c. “Whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men”
This is the Christian work ethic: diligent, enthusiastic service rooted in the understanding that every job is sacred when done for the Lord.
The mundane becomes meaningful when viewed through the lens of worship.
“Therefore, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.” (1 Corinthians 10:31, NKJV)
d. “Knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance”
Earthly masters may never see or reward the servant’s faithfulness, but God will.
“Inheritance” is ironic here — slaves had no inheritance. Yet in Christ, they gain what cannot be earned or bought: an eternal reward (1 Peter 1:3–4).
“For you serve the Lord Christ”: This is the spiritual reality behind every role — we serve Christ, not merely an employer or supervisor.
e. “But he who does wrong will be repaid for what he has done, and there is no partiality”
God is a righteous Judge. Christian workers are not exempt from accountability. If they defraud, slack off, or rebel, they will answer to the Lord.
God is impartial — He rewards faithfulness and disciplines wrongdoing regardless of social class, race, or position.
f. “Masters, give your bondservants what is just and fair”
This is a radical statement in the ancient world. Roman law gave masters absolute control. Paul commands justice and equity — recognizing the dignity of those under authority.
In today’s application: Employers must be fair, honest, generous, and respectful. They must lead with integrity and accountability.
“And you, masters, do the same things to them, giving up threatening, knowing that your own Master also is in heaven, and there is no partiality with Him.” (Ephesians 6:9, NKJV)
“Knowing that you also have a Master in heaven”: Earthly authority is temporary. All human authority is delegated from God and will be held to account.
