Colossians chapter 3

 

Memory verse: Colossians 3:2

 

Colossians chapter 3 is about living through an eternal perspective. It is easy to let go of the material when we realize how temporary it is; and when we realize that God will provide for us in this life and in eternity (Matthew 6). It is easier to let go of lusts for inappropriate physical pleasures when we know that God will satisfy our soul. It is easier to control our attitudes and words when we look at our relationships and interactions the way God sees them. It is easy to love people when we know how much God loves us. It is easy to submit to authority when we are doing it to please God, and when we know He will reward our good behavior in eternity.

 

Day 1 – set your affection on things above

Verses 1-4

Although the physical resurrection of the saints is yet to come, when we are saved we are already resurrected spiritually. We are either dead in sin, or dead to sin (Matthew 8:22, Romans 5:15, Romans 6:1-4 & 11-13, Romans 8:10-11, 2Corinthians 5:14, Ephesians 2:1 & 5, Ephesians 5:14, Colossians 2:10 & 13, Colossians 3:3, 1Timothy 5:6, 1Peter 2:24). Christians that have died are only sleeping until the resurrection (Daniel 12:2, Matthew 9:24, Matthew 23:27, John 11:11-13, 1Corinthians 11:30, 1Corinthains 15:51, 1Thessalonians 4:14, 1Thessalonians 5:10). Our citizenship is in heaven (Philippians 3:20-21). Therefore we are to be looking up toward where our hearts and hope are (Matthew 6:19-23, Luke 21:18).  We are to remain functional in this life, but our final destination is not in this world. Therefore we should not make the things of this life our highest priority (2Timothy 2:4). The saved welcome the second coming of Christ, and look forward to it with great anticipation (2Timothy 4:8). The second to the last verse of the Bible is “He which testifieth these things saith, Surely I come quickly. Amen. Even so, come, Lord Jesus (Revelation 22:20)”.

 

Day 2 – put on the new man

Verses 5-10

Since our focus is toward the next life, and not this one, we should mortify our sinful desires and the carnal nature (Romans 8:13). To mortify is to kill, to put to death. It is not to passively wait for something to die on its own. We should not do the sinful things we used to do before we were saved. God saves us from our sins, not in our sins. The wrath of God comes on sinners that disobey. We must not only deny our physical lusts, but also our bad attitudes and words. We are to put them off like old dirty clothes, and put on the new man (Ephesians 4:22-26). The new man is renewed, which means “to be changed into a new kind of life as opposed to the former corrupt state” (2Corinthians 4:16). It is created in the image of God. This is what God purposed from the beginning of the creation (Romans 8:29, 1Corinthians 15:29, 2Corinthians 3:18). He made Adam in His image (Genesis 1:27, Luke 3:38). Jesus is the last Adam (Romans 5:14, 1Corinthians 15:45). He is the image of God (2Corinthians 4:4, Colossians 1:15). All of His are recreated in that image.

 

Day 3 – put on charity, which is the bond of perfectness

Verses 11-15

The new testament started a new order where it is irrelevant what our ethnic or social background is. The old covenant was with the Jews, although Gentiles could participate in a limited way. Now that no longer matters. This covenant is based on Christ, and our relationship with Him. All Christians are now the chosen people. Therefore we should clothe ourselves in forgiveness that comes from deep inside; and with love which is the ligaments that hold the body of Christ together, and makes us spiritually mature. It is our calling to let (decide, rule, umpire) the peace of God rule (the same word as let) in our hearts. We are in one body of believers, and we are to be thankful. We can either be thankful, or complainers.

 

Day 4 – let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom

Verses 16-21

The words let and dwell in verse 16 are the same word in the original language. It also appears in Romans 8:11, 2Corinthians 6:16, and 2Timothy 1:5 & 14. We are to dwell in the word of Christ which is to dwell in us. It is reciprocal (John 14:11 & 20). The word is to be in us abundantly in wisdom so we can teach and admonish each other. We can do this not only by regular speaking, but musically. The lyrics of our songs should be scripturally based and doctrinally sound. Certainly the foremost purpose of music and singing is to worship God, but we can also minister to one another through song. We can also use music to memorize scripture. Advertisers know the power of a catchy tune to make people remember a product. We can use that for spiritual good. We should do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus – pray, baptize, preach, worship, miracles. Wives are to submit to their husbands. According to blueletterbible.org, the word submit was a Greek military term meaning "to arrange [troop divisions] in a military fashion under the command of a leader". In non-military use, it was "a voluntary attitude of giving in, cooperating, assuming responsibility, and carrying a burden". The Bible is not a book which demeans womanhood, but it does teach a chain of authority (1Corinthians 11:1-16). God does not authorize abuse of any kind under the guise of authority. Husbands are to love their wives and not be bitter against them. The Bible says if a man mistreats his wife, his prayers are hindered (Malachi 2:14, 1Peter 3:17). Children are to obey their parents. Fathers are not to provoke their children. That leads to discouragement. Also see Ephesians 5:22-6:4. Authority is not a curse, but a protective blessing. The Bible is a book about authority and submission right from the garden of Eden to the end.

 

Day 5 – whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord

Verses 22-25

We should respect those in authority over us in our employment, not to please them, but God. We should perform our responsibilities with all our heart as to the Lord and not to men. Our perspective on our jobs should be that God gave us the opportunity to work and earn a wage. He is our provider, and not man. That is no disrespect to the boss. It is actually an honor for people to have Christians as employees because they hold themselves to a higher standard, and because God will bless the right endeavors of His people. Laban knew he was blessed by having Jacob as an employee (Genesis 30:27). God not only rewards our good efforts and work ethic in this life, but in eternity (1Timothy 4:8). God will also reward evil.