Set Your Mind on Things Above
Having established the supremacy and sufficiency of Christ, Paul now calls us to live in light of their new identity. He writes:
“If then you were raised with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ is, sitting at the right hand of God.” — Colossians 3:1
Because believers have been united with Christ in His death and resurrection, their priorities should now be shaped by heaven rather than by the world. Paul continues:
“Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth.” — Colossians 3:2
This does not mean ignoring earthly responsibilities, but viewing everything from God’s eternal perspective. He reminds them:
“For you died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God.” — Colossians 3:3
Then comes a wonderful promise:
“When Christ who is our life appears, then you also will appear with Him in glory.” — Colossians 3:4
Because of this new identity, believers must actively put sin to death. Paul says:
“Therefore put to death your members which are on the earth…” — Colossians 3:5
He lists sins such as:
– Fornication – Uncleanness – Passion – Evil desire – Covetousness, “which is idolatry”
This reminds us that our identity has fundamentally changed through Christ. We no longer belong to the kingdom of this world but to the Kingdom of God. Therefore, our thoughts, desires, ambitions, and choices should increasingly reflect heaven’s values. As we keep our eyes fixed on Christ, we gain the strength to turn away from sin and live for His glory.
Put Off the Old Life and Put On the New
Paul continues by contrasting the believer’s old life with the new life found in Christ. He commands:
“But now you yourselves are to put off all these…” — Colossians 3:8
He lists:
– Anger – Wrath – Malice – Blasphemy – Filthy language – Lying Instead:
“…you have put off the old man with his deeds, and have put on the new man who is renewed in knowledge according to the image of Him who created him.” — Colossians 3:9–10
The goal is to become increasingly like Christ. Paul then beautifully describes the unity of God’s people:
“…where there is neither Greek nor Jew… but Christ is all and in all.” — Colossians 3:11
He urges believers to clothe themselves with Christlike virtues:
“Therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, put on tender mercies, kindness, humility, meekness, longsuffering.” — Colossians 3:12
They are also to:
“…bearing with one another, and forgiving one another…” — Colossians 3:13
Following Christ’s example:
“…even as Christ forgave you, so you also must do.” — Colossians 3:13
Above everything else:
“But above all these things put on love, which is the bond of perfection.” — Colossians 3:14
Colossians 3 teaches that becoming like Christ involves both removing sinful attitudes and intentionally developing godly character. Christianity is not merely about avoiding wrong behaviour but about allowing Christ’s love, humility, forgiveness, and compassion to transform every relationship. Love binds together every other Christian virtue and reflects the very character of our Saviour.
Let Christ Rule Every Relationship
Paul now explains how Christ’s lordship affects everyday life. He writes:
“And let the peace of God rule in your hearts… and be thankful.” — Colossians 3:15
He then gives one of the chapter’s greatest commands:
“Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom…” — Colossians 3:16
As believers teach, encourage, and worship together:
“…singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.” — Colossians 3:16
Paul summarises the Christian life with these words:
“And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus…” — Colossians 3:17
He then applies these principles to the home. – Wives:
“Wives, submit to your own husbands, as is fitting in the Lord.” — Colossians 3:18
– Husbands:
“Husbands, love your wives and do not be bitter toward them.” — Colossians 3:19
– Children:
“Children, obey your parents in all things…” — Colossians 3:20
– Fathers:
“Fathers, do not provoke your children, lest they become discouraged.” — Colossians 3:21
This reminds us that Christ’s rule extends far beyond church gatherings. His peace should govern our hearts, His Word should fill our minds, and His name should shape everything we say and do. Whether at home, at work, or among fellow believers, every relationship becomes an opportunity to display the transforming power of the Gospel.
Deeper Waters
Colossians 3 moves from the theology of Christ’s supremacy to the practical outworking of life in Christ. Because believers have died and been raised with Christ, they are called to live as citizens of His Kingdom. The chapter presents the Christian life as a continual process of putting off the old self, putting on the new self, and allowing Christ to rule every area of life.
Paul begins with the remarkable truth:
**”You were raised with Christ.”**
This echoes the teaching of Colossians 2 and Romans 6. Through union with Christ, believers share spiritually in His death and resurrection. The old life ruled by sin has been judged, and a new life has begun. Therefore, Christians are instructed to:
**”seek those things which are above.”**
This is not a call to withdraw from earthly responsibilities but to live with eternal priorities. Christ is seated at the Father’s right hand, the place of supreme authority (Psalm 110:1; Hebrews 1:3). Fixing our minds on Him means allowing His reign, His values, and His purposes to shape every decision.
Paul’s statement,
**”your life is hidden with Christ in God,”**
offers profound assurance. The believer’s true identity is secure because it is bound up with Christ Himself. Though the world may not recognise the glory of God’s people now, the day is coming when:
**”you also will appear with Him in glory.”**
This future hope motivates present holiness. Christians pursue purity not merely because sin is forbidden, but because they belong to the coming Kingdom where Christ’s glory will be fully revealed.
Paul’s command to “put to death” sinful practices is deliberately strong. Sanctification involves decisive action against sin. Sexual immorality, impurity, greed, and covetousness belong to the old age from which Christ has delivered His people. Covetousness is called idolatry because it places created things in the place that belongs to God alone. Whatever captures the heart more than Christ becomes an idol.
The second half of the chapter shifts from removing sinful habits to cultivating Christlike character. Believers have:
**”put on the new man who is renewed in knowledge according to the image of Him who created him.”**
This recalls Genesis 1, where humanity was created in God’s image. Sin distorted that image, but through Christ God is restoring His people to reflect His character once again. Sanctification is therefore God’s ongoing work of renewing His image within believers.
Paul’s declaration that:
**”Christ is all and in all”**
emphasises that every earthly distinction becomes secondary to our shared identity in Christ. Ethnicity, social status, culture, and background no longer determine a believer’s standing before God. The Church is a new humanity united under one Lord, fulfilling what Paul taught in Ephesians 2 about Christ creating one new man from previously divided peoples.
The virtues Paul lists—compassion, kindness, humility, meekness, patience, forgiveness, and love—perfectly reflect the character of Jesus. These are not natural human qualities but the fruit of God’s transforming grace. The command to forgive:
**”even as Christ forgave you”**
places the cross at the centre of every Christian relationship. Since believers have received immeasurable mercy, they are called to extend that same mercy to others. Above all, love is:
**”the bond of perfection.”**
Love does not replace truth or holiness; it binds every Christian virtue together in harmonious maturity, reflecting the greatest commandment to love God and neighbour. Paul then identifies three governing influences for the believer’s life:
– The peace of Christ should rule the heart (v.15). – The Word of Christ should dwell richly within the believer (v.16). – The name of Christ should govern everything we do (v.17).
These three form the foundation of Christian living. The peace of Christ acts like an umpire, directing decisions and relationships. The Word of Christ fills the mind with truth, enabling teaching, worship, and wisdom. The name of Christ gives purpose to every activity, reminding believers that every word and deed is ultimately offered to Him.
Finally, Paul applies the Gospel to the household. His instructions to husbands, wives, children, and fathers show that Christ’s lordship is not confined to public worship but transforms family life. Authority is exercised through love rather than domination, submission is offered “as is fitting in the Lord,” children honour their parents, and fathers nurture rather than discourage. Every relationship is reshaped by the example of Christ, who perfectly combines authority with sacrificial love.
Colossians 3 encourages us to: ke.ep their hearts and minds fixed on Christ and His eternal Kingdom, – actively reject sinful patterns that belong to the old life, – embrace the new identity God has given them in Christ, – pursue compassion, humility, patience, forgiveness, and above all, love, – allow Christ’s peace to govern their decisions and relationships, – fill their lives with the Word of Christ through continual meditation and worship, – honour Christ in every conversation, action, and responsibility, – and reflect the Gospel within their homes by living according to God’s wise design.
Ultimately, Colossians 3 points us to Jesus Christ, the risen and reigning Lord who has not only rescued His people from sin but is also transforming them into His own likeness. He is the believer’s life, peace, wisdom, and future glory. As His Word dwells richly within us and His peace rules our hearts, we increasingly reflect His character to the world, living now in anticipation of the day when we will appear with Him in glory and be perfectly conformed to His image forever.