Some Instructions for the Christian Family Colossians 3:1-25; Part II
In this portion of Colossians (Chapter 3:1-25), Paul challenges Christians to live godly lives in conformity to who they are in Jesus Christ. The success of living Christlike lives was dependent not on their own power but on the power of Christ working in them. As Christians, our lofty Christian status embraces that we need to put off ungodly practices and put on godly practices that reflect our heavenly status.
Our text, Colossians 3:1-25, may be outlined as follows: I. Christians Focused on Our New Status – Colossians 3:1-4; II. Christians Turing from the Sins of the Past – Colossians 3:5-9; III. Christians Putting on Godly Virtues – Colossians 3:10-14; IV. Christians Living Harmoniously Among Others – Colossians 3:15-25.
III. Christians Putting on Godly Virtues – Colossians 3:10-14
In verse 10, believers are to put on the new self (new way of life). Believers’ conduct should be in line with their new position in Christ. The “new self” needs constant renewal or refreshing; thus, it needs renewal to keep it victorious over sin. This renewal of the new self is in knowledge. It occurs when believers come to a personal, deep knowledge of and fellowship with Christ. In Christ, distinctions are removed (v. 11). The distinctions that are moved include the following: national distinctions (Greek or Jews), religious distinctions (circumcised or uncircumcised), cultural distinctions (barbarian and Scythian), economic or social distinctions (slave or free). However, human distinctions are overruled by virtue of one’s union in Christ.
Having listed six vices that believers should put off in verses 8-9, believers who are described as “God’s chosen people,” “holy,” and “dearly beloved” are to embrace several virtues (v. 12). These virtues include – compassion (tender sympathy), kindness (benevolence in actions), humility (a lowly attitude toward God), meekness (a lowly attitude toward others), and patience (self-restraint in the face of provocation).
In verse 13, believers are admonished to bear with each other and also to forgive whatever grievances they may have against others. As the Lord has forgiven, so believers should graciously and freely forgive. Above all these virtues, believers are to put on love (v. 14).
- Christians Living Harmoniously Among Others – Colossians 3:15-25
In verse 15, believers are admonished to let the peace of Christ rule in their hearts because they are called to peace as members of one body. The closer believers are to Christ (and His likeness), the closer they are to each other. Also, believers are to be thankful (I Thess. 5:18). The word of God should dwell richly in the life of a believer (v. 16). The words of the Bible, God’s written word, are to dwell in believers.
As we study, meditate, and apply the word, the word will have a permanent abiding part of our lives! When the words of Christ become a part of a believer’s nature, they spring forth naturally and daily in psalms (songs from the book of Psalms, hymns (songs of praise), and spiritual songs (not secular odes) with gratitude. The joyful singing is not to please oneself, but the Lord.
A spirit-filled Christian life can teach and admonish one another if it is done with all wisdom and not tactlessness (Galatians 6:1). In verse 17, whatever we do in word or deed (lip or life), it should be done in the name of the Lord Jesus and with a thankful spirit.
In verse 18, wives are admonished to submit to their husbands as their heads as it is fitting in the Lord. Submission does not mean inferiority, but it simply means that the husband is the head because he was created before Eve (I Timothy 2:13). The wife is not obligated to follow her husband’s leadership (headship) if it conflicts with specific scriptural commands. In verse 19, husbands are responsible for loving their wives. They are to exercise loving leadership, not dictatorial dominion! Assuming absolute authority will only embitter one’s wife, not endear her!
In verse 20, children are to obey their parents in everything. It is right for children to obey their parents because obedience reflects God’s design for order in the home. In verse 21, fathers are not to embitter or constantly exasperate or irritate their children with unreasonable demands. This will only make them become discouraged.
In verse 22, servants are exhorted to obey their masters. They are to obey their masters with sincerity of heart and work with reverence for the Lord. Whatever slaves do, it should be done with all their hearts to the Lord, not for men (v. 23).
In verses 24-25, it is the Lord Jesus Christ whom all Christians are serving. There is a final payday (an inheritance as a reward) coming from the Lord. The Lord will judge without favoritism, repaying wrongdoers and rewarding those who serve Him (Romans 2:9; Ephesians 6:9).
May God Bless!
