Transformed Living
Colossians 3:1-15 offers profound insights into the transformative power of the Gospel and the call to live in alignment with the new life found in Jesus Christ. This passage encourages believers to embrace a different mindset, to put to death earthly desires, and to cultivate virtues reflective of their new identity in Christ.
Setting Hearts on Things Above
In Colossians 3:1-2 (NLT), Paul writes,
Since you have been raised to new life with Christ, set your sights on the realities of heaven, where Christ sits in the place of honor at God’s right hand. 2 Think about the things of heaven, not the things of earth.
This call to heavenly-mindedness underscores the transformative nature of the gospel. Believers are called to fix their gaze on the eternal realities of God's kingdom, allowing their thoughts, desires, and priorities to be shaped by the values of heaven.
Putting to Death Earthly Desires
In Colossians 3:5-9 urge believers to put to death earthly desires such as sexual immorality, impurity, greed, anger, and slander.
So put to death the sinful, earthly things lurking within you. Have nothing to do with sexual immorality, impurity, lust, and evil desires. Don’t be greedy, for a greedy person is an idolater, worshiping the things of this world. 6 Because of these sins, the anger of God is coming. 7 You used to do these things when your life was still part of this world. 8 But now is the time to get rid of anger, rage, malicious behavior, slander, and dirty language. 9 Don’t lie to each other, for you have stripped off your old sinful nature and all its wicked deeds.
Paul emphasizes the necessity of stripping off the old self and its practices and putting on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge according to the image of its Creator. This call to moral purity and transformation reflects the ongoing process of sanctification in the life of the believer.
Cultivating Virtues of Christlikeness
In Colossians 3:12-15, Paul outlines virtues that reflect the character of Christ.
Since God chose you to be the holy people he loves, you must clothe yourselves with tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. 13 Make allowance for each other’s faults, and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others. 14 Above all, clothe yourselves with love, which binds us all together in perfect harmony. 15 And let the peace that comes from Christ rule in your hearts. For as members of one body you are called to live in peace. And always be thankful.
These virtues serve as the framework for Christian conduct and relational dynamics within the body of Christ. By embracing these virtues, believers embody the love and grace of Christ, fostering unity and harmony in the community of faith.
Embracing Transformed Living
This passage calls believers to embrace transformed living in light of their new identity in Christ. By setting our hearts on heavenly realities, putting to death earthly desires, and cultivating virtues reflective of Christ's character, we will grow in spiritual maturity by participating in the ongoing work of sanctification. And, we will bear witness to the transformative power of the gospel in our lives and community.
May we, as followers of Christ, continually seek to live in alignment with our heavenly calling, reflecting the love and grace of our Saviour in all we do.