Only Jesus Shows Us How to Live (Colossians 3:5-17)

Bible Passage: Colossians 3:5-17

So far in Colossians, Paul has spoken about the gospel, showing Christ as the image of the invisible God, and encouraging the Colossian believers to stand firm in him and not be led off course by human traditions. Now, he moves on to the implications of the gospel and how it plays out in the lives of the believers. This includes putting to death ways of being that belong to the old life, and putting on the way of Christ. Most of what Paul mentions is focussed on how we are with one another, and includes our general interactions with one another and our gathered worship times together.

Off with the old (v5-11): Because we have a new life in Christ, then anything belonging to the old life needs to be put to death. These verses list some specific practices. In particular, there are things highlighted to do with our attitude to sex (sexual immorality, impurity and lust), our attitude to things (greed and idolatry), our emotions (anger, rage and malice), and our words (slander, filthy language and lies). There is no place for any of these things in the life of a Christian, nor is there place for discrimination and division. We are reminded in verse 11 that there is no distinction on the basis of race or class, but that we are one in Christ,

On with the new (v12-15): Following Jesus is not just about stopping doing certain things, but there is a new life to step into. In these verses we see what the life of a Christian is to look like, and the points that are highlighted are community focussed and speak to how we relate to one another. We are to treat each other compassionately, to bear with one another, and to forgive each other when there is a grievance. All of these things are to be held together with love and peace, which brings unity to the body of Christ.

A pattern for Worship (v16-17): Having outlined a pattern for our community life, we are also given some instructions for our gathered worship times. Spending time in the word is important in order to let the message of Christ dwell in us richly, and we should spend time in sung worship, with a variety of different types of songs. The attitude that should characterise these gatherings is gratitude and thanksgiving, and we should do all of it in Jesus’ name.

Potential Applications:

• There are some very specific things mentioned in this passage that people may be convicted by. You could invite a time of repentance for people to turn away from old practices and step into new. You could have people who are available to pray with those who want to respond in this way.
• Perhaps there are relationships in the congregation that need mending. You could encourage people to put right whatever issues there are with one another before continuing in worship.
• The passage speaks of the importance of worshipping together through song. You could lead into a time of sung worship, and include space for people to bring their own songs of the Spirit as you worship.