Living as Those Made Alive in Christ
1 Since then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things
above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. 2 Set your minds on
things above, not on earthly things. 3 For you died,and your life is now hidden
with Christ in God. 4 When Christ, who is your life, appears, then you also will
appear with him in glory.
5 Put to death, therefore, whatever belongs to your earthly nature:sexual
immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires and greed, which is idolatry. 6 Because
of these, the wrath of God is coming. 7 You used to walk in these ways, in the
life you once lived. 8 But now you must also rid yourselves of all such things
as these: anger, rage, malice, slander, and filthy language from your lips. 9 Do
not lie to each other, since you have taken off your old self with its practices
10 and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge in
the image of its Creator. 11 Here there is no Gentile or Jew, circumcised or
uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave or free, but Christ is all, and is in
all.
12 Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves
with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. 13 Bear with
each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against
someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. 14 And over all these virtues put
on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.
15 Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body
you were called to peace. And be thankful. 16 Let the message of Christ
dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all
wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God
with gratitude in your hearts. 17 And whatever you do, whether in word or
deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father
through him.
Instructions for Christian Households
18 Wives, submit yourselves to your husbands, as is fitting in the Lord.
19 Husbands, love your wives and do not be harsh with them.
20 Children, obey your parents in everything, for this pleases the Lord.
21 Fathers, do not embitter your children, or they will become discouraged.
22 Slaves, obey your earthly masters in everything; and do it, not only when
their eye is on you and to curry their favor, but with sincerity of heart and
reverence for the Lord. 23 Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as
working for the Lord, not for human masters, 24 since you know that you will
receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are
serving. 25 Anyone who does wrong will be repaid for their wrongs, and there
is no favoritism.
Every sin Paul lists has a fruit of the Spirit and a characteristic of God
to combat it:
Sexual Immorality ---------------------------------------------> Faithfulness
Impurity/Lust ------------------------------------------> Purity/Self Control
Evil Desires ------------------------------------------------------> Goodness
Greed -----------------------------------------------------------> Generosity
Anger/Rage -----------------------------------------------------> Joy/Peace
Slander/Lying/Filthy Language -------------> Truth/Gentleness/Kindness
Malice ----------------------------------------------------------> Love/Mercy
For these three questions, use a journal to write down your answers.
1. Paul uses, what some might consider, extreme language here, telling
believers that all their sinful habits must be “put to death.” Has there been
a situation where you felt called to “crucify” something in your life so that it
stopped getting in the way of your relationship with Jesus? Remember what
it was and how God brought you through it. Thank Him below then take a
moment to reflect: Is there anything you need to “rid yourself” of right now?
Culturally, early Christians lived in a time when women and children were
second class citizens in nearly every aspect and were frequently mistreated
and disregarded. However, because of Jesus’ redeeming work that put
all people, no matter their race, age, gender, or social status on the same
playing field, these Christians also lived within the tension of what Jesus
freed them from and what culture dictated they should be and do. Paul’s
directive in verses 18-25 are meant to instruct a safe and practical framework
for Christian families to live under so they do not risk persecution for what
was, at the time, radical displays of equity that disturbed society’s normal
functioning.
2. What tensions do you currently experience between what society/culture
says and what God says about you?
3. Paul encourages the Colossians to do everything in service to God, and
not to any human, knowing humans are incapable of fair, just, and equitable
ruling. He goes on to assure them that every wrong will be addressed and
repaid, and that there is no favoritism. What kind of comfort do you imagine
this was to the original readers? Does it comfort you? How?