Colossians 3 | NIV Bible | YouVersion (2024)

FAQs

What is the main message of Colossians 3? ›

Colossians 3 explores what it means to set your mind on things above, enabling us to experience the true joy the Father wants to lavish on us. Furthermore, when we set our eyes on Him, we are better able to serve him—and service is ultimately the duty and pleasure of every believer.

Bible Gateway Colossians 3 :: NIV. Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God.

So we work in all kinds of different ways. And Colossians 3:23–24 says, whatever you do, whatever kind of work you are doing, work heartily, with all your heart and all the different ways that plays out in scripture, with Christ-like character, with honesty, with diligence, with integrity, with humility.

The utter supremacy of Christ: this is the message of Colossians for the global church. Above all human wisdom and tradition, Christ stands forth as preeminent over all and sufficient for all.

The opening lines of Colossians emphatically state that lasting growth comes from God alone. Growing in faith, hope and love results in a grace and peace from God the Father evidenced by their love for one another in the Spirit.

Paul wrote his Epistle to the Colossians because of a report that they were falling into serious error (see Bible Dictionary, “Pauline Epistles”). False teachings and practices in Colossae were influencing the Saints there and threatening their faith. Similar cultural pressures pose challenges for Church members today.

The “things above” concept incorporates all that characterizes Christ's way and kingdom. As Philipp Melanchthon understands it, Those things which are above signifies heavenly or spiritual goods, such as faith, peace, a patient heart, love, chastity, and such things.

Let the peace of Christ rule in my heart, for you've called me to peace. I am thankful, Lord, for the amazing ways you've worked in my heart and mind. Let your message, Christ, dwell among us richly today. Help me to teach and admonish others in your name, with wisdom, through gratitude and song.

Key Themes

Believers are in Christ, and so they share in Christ's death, resurrection, new life, and his fullness (2:9–14; 3:1–4). Christ has defeated the powers of darkness on the cross. Christians share in his power and authority over that realm (2:10, 15; see also 2:8, 20).

Paul encourages the Colossian Christians to continue in their faithful devotion to Jesus. Despite facing pressure from their culture to turn away from Jesus, the Colossian Christians have stayed faithful the way of Jesus.

What does Colossians 3:23 really mean? ›

From the most mistreated slave to the highest-paid leader, every person is called to work for God's honor. We do not work "for men" or simply earthly goals, but to glorify our heavenly Father and Master. Living for the Lord's honor is relevant in one's personal life, immediate family, and work contexts.

But there is work that God calls all of us to do, and it's laid out for us in the Bible. God makes it clear again and again that we're to love others, care for the poor, and live our lives in such a way that we point to the power of the gospel.

Jesus made everything in the world. Col. 1:19-20 For in him all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell, and through him God was pleased to reconcile to himself all things, whether on earth or in heaven, by making peace through the blood of his cross. Jesus came to redeem the world, including the work world.

The unexcavated site of Colossae sits near the modern city of Honaz at the base of Mt. Cadmus (in modern Turkey). It is located near the sites of Laodicea and Hierapolis, which also appear in the Bible.

Instead of wallowing in sin, Christians are to put on the "new self" (Colossians 3:12–17), doing all things for the glory of God (Colossians 3:17). Paul commends positive behaviors which Christians are to imitate. Among these are patience and humility, but the most important is love.

Colossians 3:1–17 Thanks God for His Peace

We pray that you'd help us to put on as your chosen ones. Holy and beloved compassionate hearts. We pray for these things for kindness, humility, meekness, and patience, help us to bear with one another.

Key Themes

Christ has defeated the powers of darkness on the cross. Christians share in his power and authority over that realm (2:10, 15; see also 2:8, 20). Jesus is the fulfillment of Jewish expectation. Christians share in the heritage of the old covenant people of God through their union with him (1:12, 21–22, 27).

A message on putting on virtue

“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 whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.