FRAMEWORKS:
Colossians 3
In
this ‘Framework' we use our usual text PLUS comment style to enable
you, as simply as possible, to catch the sense of his writing.
[Note:
Because it is sometimes difficult to follow the flow
of a letter like this, we have added a synopsis of each chapter
& passage to help clarify where Paul is going with his writing.]
[Chapter
3 Synopsis: focus where you are looking, ensure you
put off the old life and put on the new, maintain godly family
relationships]
v.1-4
Now you are ‘in Christ' keeping looking up
v.5-10
A Call to put to death the things of the old life
v.11-17
Now ‘in Christ' put on the love of heaven
v.18-25
Instructions for Christian Households & Workers
v.1-4
Now you are ‘in Christ' keeping looking up
[Passage
Synopsis: Having been raised to a new Christ-focused
life, hidden in him, set your hearts and minds on him in heaven
v.1
(As Christ raised us
up look to him as he reigns in heaven) Since,
then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things
above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God.
v.2
(yes, set your minds
on him there) Set
your minds on things above, not on earthly things.
v.3
(you died to the old
life) For
you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God.
v.4
(and when he appear again
you will be glorified with him) When
Christ, who is your life, appears, then you also will appear with
him in glory.
v.5-10
A Call to put to death the things of the old life
v.5
(so make sure you kill
off the old ways) Put
to death, therefore, whatever belongs to your earthly nature:
sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires and greed, which
is idolatry.
v.6
(because they will be
judged by God) Because
of these, the wrath of God is coming.
v.7
(that's how you used
to live) You
used to walk in these ways, in the life you once lived.
v.8
(but now you've got to
get rid of those ways of the past) But
now you must also rid yourselves of all such things as these:
anger, rage, malice, slander, and filthy language from your lips.
v.9,10
(so be truthful with
one another, living the new life) Do
not lie to each other, since you have taken off your old self
with its practices and have put on the new self, which is being
renewed in knowledge in the image of its Creator.
v.11-17
Now ‘in Christ' put on the love of heaven
v.11
(there are no divisions,
we're all one in Christ) Here
there is no Gentile or Jew, circumcised or uncircumcised, barbarian,
Scythian, slave or free, but Christ is all, and is in all.
v.12
(so put on Christ-like
characteristics) Therefore,
as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves
with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.
v.13
(forgiving and reconciling)
Bear with each
other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against
someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.
v.14
(put on love that pulls
them all together) And
over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together
in perfect unity.
v.15
(let's Christ's peace
rule in you, and be thankful) Let
the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one
body you were called to peace. And be thankful.
v.16
(let the gospel of Christ's
love live in you all as you encourage one another) 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.
v.17
(and do it all in the
name of the Lord) 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.
v.18-25
Instructions for Christian Households & Workers
[Passage
Synopsis: Guidance for children, parents, & employees
[& employers in v.1.] Note a similar and slightly more detailed
passage is found in Eph 5]
v.18
(wives, let God inspire
your acceptance of your husband) Wives,
submit yourselves to your husbands, as is fitting in the Lord.
v.19
(husbands lay down your
lives for your wives) Husbands,
love your wives and do not be harsh with them.
v.20
(children, make sure
you obey your parents) Children,
obey your parents in everything, for this pleases the Lord.
v.21
(father's don't put down
your children) Fathers,
do not embitter your children, or they will become discouraged.
v.22
(employees serve your
employer as serving God) 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.
v.23,24
(in fact whatever you
do, do it as to God) Whatever
you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord,
not for human masters, since you know that you will receive an
inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you
are serving.
v.25
(Wrong-doers will be
held accountable to God) Anyone
who does wrong will be repaid for their wrongs, and there is no
favoritism.