ColossiansStudy Guide

Chapter 3

Themes, discussion questions, Christ connections, and denomination lenses.

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Scripture

KJV

1If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God.

2Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth.

3For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God.

4When Christ, who is our life, shall appear, then shall ye also appear with him in glory.

5Mortify therefore your members which are upon the earth; fornication, uncleanness, inordinate affection, evil concupiscence, and covetousness, which is idolatry:

6For which things’ sake the wrath of God cometh on the children of disobedience:

7In the which ye also walked some time, when ye lived in them.

8But now ye also put off all these; anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy communication out of your mouth.

9Lie not one to another, seeing that ye have put off the old man with his deeds;

10And have put on the new man, which is renewed in knowledge after the image of him that created him:

11Where there is neither Greek nor Jew, circumcision nor uncircumcision, Barbarian, Scythian, bond nor free: but Christ is all, and in all.

12Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering;

13Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye.

14And above all these things put on charity, which is the bond of perfectness.

15And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful.

16Let 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.

17And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him.

18Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as it is fit in the Lord.

19Husbands, love your wives, and be not bitter against them.

20Children, obey your parents in all things: for this is well pleasing unto the Lord.

21Fathers, provoke not your children to anger, lest they be discouraged.

22Servants, obey in all things your masters according to the flesh; not with eyeservice, as menpleasers; but in singleness of heart, fearing God:

23And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men;

24Knowing that of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance: for ye serve the Lord Christ.

25But he that doeth wrong shall receive for the wrong which he hath done: and there is no respect of persons.

Key VerseColossians 3:2-3

Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth. For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God.

Overview

Paul instructs believers to set their affection on things above where Christ sits at the right hand of God, since they have died with Christ and their life is hidden with Christ in God. He calls them to put off the old man with its sinful practices and put on the new man renewed in knowledge after the image of its Creator. He gives practical instructions for Christian households, emphasizing that whatever is done should be done heartily as unto the Lord.

Key Themes

1

Seeking Things Above

Because believers have been raised with Christ, their minds and desires should be set on heavenly realities, not earthly distractions.

2

Putting Off and Putting On

The Christian life involves actively putting off sinful behaviors and putting on virtues like mercy, kindness, humility, and above all, love, which is the bond of perfection.

3

Christ in All

In the new creation, Christ is all and in all, erasing distinctions of nationality, social status, and background in the community of faith.

Study Questions

1.

What does it mean to 'set your affection on things above' (v. 2), and how do you practice this?

2.

How does the truth that 'your life is hid with Christ in God' (v. 3) provide security and identity?

3.

What does it look like practically to 'put on' compassion, kindness, and humility (vv. 12-14)?

4.

Why is love described as 'the bond of perfectness' (v. 14)?

5.

How does doing everything 'as to the Lord' (v. 23) transform ordinary daily work?

Connection to Christ

The entire chapter is anchored in Christ: believers are raised with Christ, hidden with Christ, and when Christ who is our life appears, they shall appear with Him in glory (vv. 1-4). Every virtue commanded flows from union with Christ, and all of life is to be lived as unto the Lord.

Personal Reflection

Take time to journal or meditate on what God is teaching you through Colossians 3. How can these truths transform your thinking and actions today?

Colossians

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