Colossians 3 Summary

Colossians 3 presents the practical outworking of being 'risen with Christ.' Paul calls believers to set their minds on things above, not on earthly things, because their life 'is hid with Christ in God.' He lists what must be 'put off' — fornication, anger, malice, lying — and what must be 'put on' — compassion, kindness, humility, meekness, longsuffering, forgiveness.

Above all these, Paul says, 'put on charity, which is the bond of perfectness.' He instructs wives, husbands, children, fathers, and servants in their relationships. The chapter's controlling principle is: 'Whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus.' Every action, relationship, and word is to be done as unto Christ.

Key Themes

Key Verses in Colossians 3

Life Application

Colossians 3 gives you a daily routine: put off the old, put on the new, and do everything as unto the Lord. Your identity is hidden with Christ — live from that reality. And when you're tempted to cut corners or complain, remember who you're really working for.

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