A study of Colossians 3:9-13 identifies a new self renewed after the image of its creator, finds unity and belonging in Christ, demonstrates Godly traits, and encourages a heart of forgiveness.
A Study of Colossians 3:9-13 reveals a new self renewed after the image of its creator
V.9-10 Do not lie to one another, seeing that you have put off the old self with its practices and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge after the image of its creator.
Who am I? Why am I here? What’s my place in the world? There’s a lot of “Identity” confusion in today’s world as people struggle to know and express who they are. But Christ-followers don’t have that problem. Because scripture says our identity is “In Christ” and explains what that means.
Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come. (ESV, 2 Corinthians 5:17)
Paul identified a list of sins in V.8 we are to put away using a picture of removing old, dirty clothes and putting on new ones. In V.9 he adds “lying” to the list and tells why we should put the old practices away. Because they represent our old self and we now have a new one. Furthermore, the new self is renewable.
The Greek word for “renewed” is anakainŏō, which means to renew and renovate. Why is a renewable self important? Because our new nature is still corrupted by sin. So even though we strive not to sin, we still do. But when we confess and repent of that sin, God forgives it and renews us as the prophet Jeremiah confirms.
The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. (ESV, Lamentations 3:22-23)
Furthermore, our new self is renewed “in knowledge.” The Greek word ĕpignōsis means recognition, full discernment, and acknowledgment. It suggests a true knowledge of God. This knowledge fosters a mindful awareness of our ongoing sinfulness and God’s amazing grace. And it creates the desire in us to pursue godliness after the image of our creator.
A Study of Colossians 3:9-13 reveals finding unity and belonging in Christ
V.11 Here there is not Greek and Jew, circumcised and uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave, free; but Christ is all, and in all.
The desire for relevance drives us all. To feel a sense of value. Achieve a status above others. So it’s no surprise the ancient world had as many ethnic, political, and social divisions as today. But Paul makes it clear there is no privileged class in the body of Christ. Because Christ is all and in all.
In other words, Jesus alone is sufficient and there are no extras beyond him. No extra requirements, classifications, or qualifications. Furthermore, his presence resides equally in each follower. And no one has a special portion of Jesus beyond anyone else.
A Study of Colossians 3:9-13 reveals godly traits Christ-followers should demonstrate
V.12 Put on then, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience.
A life that follows Jesus Christ extends beyond the “don’ts” and includes the “do’s.” So Paul now lists the godly new traits believers should put on and wear. And he starts with with our identity, which is “holy and beloved.” The Greek word for “holy” is hagiŏs. It means sacred, blameless, consecrated, and saint. The Greek word for “beloved” is agapaō, which means love.
Of course, God loves all mankind equally. But Christ-followers are cleansed from sin through the blood of Christ. And this changes our identity status from sinners to saints. It doesn’t mean we’re better than anyone else. But it does mean we strive to imitate the life of Christ. And these are the new clothes we should put on and wear.
compassionate hearts = ŏiktirmŏs and splagchnŏn. Oiktirmŏs means pity and mercy and splagchnŏn means pity, sympathy, inward affection and tender mercy. Do I give people the benefit of the doubt? Do I consider what life is like in their shoes?
kindness = chrēstŏtēs, which means usefulness, excellence in character or demeanor, gentleness, goodness, and kindness.
humility = tapĕinŏphrŏsunē, which means modesty and humbleness of mind. It’s not thinking less of myself but thinking of myself less.
meekness = praütēs, which means mild, gentle friendliness, and a calm temper of mind that is not easily provoked. It was valued in Greek culture as long as it was backed by strength. To equate meekness with weakness is a misunderstanding of the term. Jesus could have exercised the almighty power of God at any time. He restrained himself from doing so.
patience = makrŏthumia, which means longanimity, forbearance and fortitude.
Encouraging a heart of forgiveness
V.13 Bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive.
Repentance and forgiveness is a key component of the gospel. To repent of sin before God and receive his forgiveness. And since we have freely received God’s forgiveness, we should freely offer it to others as well.
The Greek word for “bearing” is anĕchŏmai, which means to put up with, bear with, endure, and suffer. Differences in personality, temperament, experiences, and viewpoints will always cause friction–even among Christ-followers. Bearing with others includes recognizing and appreciating those differences as we seek to work through them. Along with the willingness to admit and apologize when we’re wrong.
A Study Of Colossians 3:5-8 covers sins believers should put to death, the cause of God’s coming wrath, and sins believers should put away.
A Study Of Colossians 3:5-8. Sins believers should put to death.
V.5 Put to death therefore what is earthly in you: sexual immorality, impurity, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry.
The Greek word for “death” is nĕkrŏō, which means to subdue, be dead, and mortify. And the Greek word for “earthly” is ge, which means soil, solid part, earth, ground, and world. In other words, Paul is addressing matters related to a Christ-follower’s earthly existence.
In chapter two, Paul presented the picture of baptism as a symbol of believers identifying with Christ’s death, burial, and resurrection. And now he presses that point. Since we have died with Christ, here are some sins we should put to death as well.
The word “earthly” refers to our old, sin nature since in Jesus Christ, we are new creations. (2 Corinthians 5:17) And yet, we can and do still sin. Because even as followers of Jesus, life on this earth includes an ongoing spiritual battle against sin. Paul describes his own spiritual battle in Romans 7:15-19. The good news, however, is that our old sin nature is no long our master.
So, how do you put sins to death? By cutting off the sources that feed them.
Paul identifies sexual sins
Notice these sins don’t attack one at a time, like a martial arts movie where multiple fighters politely take turns to individually attack. Instead, they gang up on us all at once.
Sexual immorality = pŏrnĕia. Also translated “fornication” is the origin of our term pornography. And it refers to any sexual intercourse outside of marriage between a man and woman.
Impurity = akatharsia, which means impurity and uncleanness. It refers to the marred character affected by immoral behavior.
Passion = pathŏs, which means inordinate affection. It’s also translated “lust.” Although it can refer to any out of control passion, it typically means uncontrolled sexual desires.
Evil desire = Combines kakŏs, which means evil and ĕpithumia, which means a longing for what is forbidden.
Covetousness = plĕŏnĕxia, which means covetousness and greediness. And Paul immediately calls it idolatry. Why? Because anything that displaces God as the primary source of our desire, attention, and value is an idol.
It’s important to note that sexual temptation is not itself sin. In other words, simply observing an attractive person. It becomes sinful as our gaze lingers and our thoughts move into entertaining sexual fantasies. Sometimes the best course of action is to simply look away.
A Study Of Colossians 3:5-8. The cause of God’s coming wrath.
V.6-7 On account of these the wrath of God is coming. In these you too once walked, when you were living in them.
God will issue a final judgment over all mankind and some will experience his wrath. The Greek word for “wrath” is ŏrgē, which means violent passion, abhorrence, anger, and indignation. It is a holy God’s emotional response to the sin he hates. (Proverbs 6:16-19). However, God’s wrath is not vindictive or capricious like human anger or represent his desire for us. And Paul reminds us here that for those who follow Jesus, it’s all in their past.
The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance. (ESV, 2 Peter 3:9)
God’s mercy, grace, and forgiveness are granted to all who repent of sin and accept Jesus Christ as Lord. But his wrath is the ultimate consequence for those who reject him.
A Study Of Colossians 3:5-8. Sins believers should put away.
V.8 But now you must put them all away: anger, wrath, malice, slander, and obscene talk from your mouth.
Paul now addresses sins related to emotions and attitudes. And the image associated with “put them all away” is the picture of stripping off old, dirty clothes.
Anger = ŏrgē, the same word used for God’s wrath. The difference, however, is that in humans it is always self-centered and often intentionally vindictive. Anger generally suggests an internal emotion of smoldering or seething hatred.
Wrath = thumŏs, which means fierceness, indignation, and wrath. It suggests an emotional outburst of angry words and actions.
Malice = kakia, which means evil, naughtiness and wickedness. It suggests evil with an intent to harm.
Slander = blasphēmia, from which comes “blasphemy” which is evil speaking and railing directed against God. Slander is speech that puts malice into practical effect and in this context is directed at another person.
Obscene talk = aischrŏlŏgia, which means vile conversation and filthy communication.
Putting these sins away is not something we accomplish on our own. It involves regularly filling our minds with God’s word and being filled with God’s Spirit. (ESV, Ephesians 5:18) Even then, we will still fail because of our fallen, sinful nature. But we are always covered by God’s grace.
A study of Colossians 3:1-4 covers the desire for Godliness, making an intentional decision, and anticipating a future life with Christ.
A study of Colossians 3:1-4. The desire for Godliness
If then you have been raised with Christ…
Paul uses baptism in Colossians 2:12 as a picture of how followers identify with Christ. “Having been buried with him in baptism, in which you were also raised with him through faith.” And he explains the symbolism behind it. “In Christ you died” (Colossians 2:20) is symbolized when a new believer is submerged in water. And is “raised with Christ” when raised back to the surface, Paul then asks a question: “If you died with Christ, why do you return to your old ways?” He answers that question in 2 Corinthians 5:17 where he calls them new creations. Rather than turning back they should move forward in their new life.
Seek the things that are above…
And moving forward in that new life in Christ considers what’s ahead and above. The Greek word for “seek” is zētĕō, which means to seek, to worship, to desire. In other words, your new life in Christ seeks a life OF godliness. And that begins with a desire FOR godliness. It doesn’t passively wait for God to shower down his blessings. But rather, willfully and actively seeks to please God.
A study of Colossians 3:1-4. Making an intentional decision
Set your minds on things that are above…
Following Jesus begins with an intentional decision and a step of faith. But it doesn’t stop there. It requires many intentional steps of faith. And your mind is pivotal in the direction you take because it’s a primary target of Satan’s attacks. So you must take charge as the captain of it.
“Set your minds” comes from the Greek word phrŏnĕō, which means to exercise the mind, to interest oneself in. It moves beyond desire of the heart to intentionally controlling your thought life. In short, what thoughts do you let into your mind? Which ones do you entertain and which ones do you discard? And how do you manage them to shape your decisions? But most importantly…what is the starting point for your thought life? Paul has a clear answer: Start with an intentional focus on the things of God. He offers practical suggestions in Philippians 4:8 and 3:12.
Not on things that are on earth.
The Greek word for “earth” is gē, which means soil, ground, world, the solid part or the whole terrestrial globe. Of course, as earth residents, we must attend to matters of this life. Earn a living. Navigate the relationships among family, friends, and career. Take out the trash.
They all demand mind space and time from our schedule. But they shouldn’t preoccupy or replace our thoughts for God.
Anticipating a future life with Christ
For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God.
Paul explains the reason we should set our minds on things above. Because in dying with Christ, we died to our old self and the things of this world. We still live in and engage with the things of this world. But we don’t let them dominate our thinking. Because our true life and final home is with Christ. Although what that actually looks like is hidden from us for now.
When Christ who is your life appears, then you also will appear with him in glory.
Christ will “appear” and we will “appear” translates the same Greek word, phanĕrŏō. It means to manifest, show, render apparent, and declare. In other words, when Jesus returns to earth what was hidden will become apparent. Because Jesus will visibly manifest in his glory and his followers will share in it. And it’s this eternal perspective that fills us with enduring hope.
A Study of Colossians 2:20-24 covers the submission to religious regulations, human precepts and teachings, and the attraction of self-made religion.
A study of Colossians 2:20-24. The submission to religious regulations
V.20 If with Christ you died to the elemental spirits of the world…
Paul asks a rhetorical question because he already knows the answer. And it goes back to those “elemental spirits” (Greek = stŏichĕiŏn) he mentioned in 2:8. They were possibly the pagan gods from Greek culture the Colossians followed in their lives before Jesus Christ. He is presenting a challenge to them regarding their new faith. In Christ they have died to their former life. So why go back to it? Paul affirms this new life in 2 Corinthians 5:17.
Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.
Why, as if you were still alive in the world, do you submit to regulations…
The Greek word for “regulations” is dogmatízō, which means to establish a decree and what seems to be right. In other words, why do you let things with no power over you, control you anyway, because they sound right?
It’s also a fair question for today. Are there extra regulations you follow because they sound right, but actually enslave you?
A study of Colossians 2:20-24. Human precepts and teachings
21 “Do not handle, Do not taste, Do not touch”…
Paul doesn’t specifically mention the regulations, but points out their controlling features. And he does so in a sarcastic tone that increases in its level of exaggeration. Don’t handle, taste or even touch. In a modern context, he might add: perhaps you should wear a hazmat suit to avoid all contamination!
However, this was not a completely new teaching. Jesus addressed this subject with the Jewish religious leaders in Matthew 15:1-20 and Mark 7:1-23. Certainly, there are people, places, and things we should avoid. And practicing regular spiritual disciplines will promote a holy life. But following Jesus Christ is more than a list of “do’s and don’ts.” It’s a life meant to set us free, not weigh us down.
22 Referring to things that all perish as they are used—according to human precepts and teachings?
Paul disqualifies them for two reasons: First, they are temporal in nature. Food that disappears because it is either consumed, or eventually goes bad and is thrown out. Secondly, they are based on strictly human instructions. Here again, Jesus speaks on this matter.
This people honors me with their lips, but their heart is far from me; in vain do they worship me, teaching as doctrines the commandments of men. (ESV, Matthew 15:8-9)
The attraction of self-made religion
The self-help section of every bookstore tells a story. Humanity has an insatiable appetite for self-improvement, self-reliance, and self-sufficiency. Is it any wonder we also seek a self-made religion?
V.23 These have indeed an appearance of wisdom in promoting self-made religion and asceticism and severity to the body…
The Greek word for “self-made religion” is ĕthĕlŏthrēskĕia, which means voluntary and unwarranted piety. In other words, false humility. We want to look good to other people. In physical attractiveness, perceived character, and moral uprightness. Although outward appearance doesn’t always reflect the condition of a person’s heart. But it’s God’s primary concern and how he sees us.
But the Lord said to Samuel, “Do not look on his appearance or on the height of his stature, because I have rejected him. For the Lord sees not as man sees: man looks on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart.” (ESV, 1 Samuel 16:7)
The futility of external controls
But they are of no value in stopping the indulgence of the flesh.
The Greek word for “indulgence” is plēsmŏnē, which means gratification and satisfying. In other words, external restraints don’t satisfy fleshly desires so they won’t control human passions. It is a battle all Christ-followers face in this life. Paul admits his own struggle in Romans 7:15-20.
But we are not powerless.
When tempted by Satan, Jesus answered by quoting scripture. It is our most effective defense too. In addition, since desires and passions take root in our mind, we should saturate our minds with scriptures. And rather than NOT think certain thoughts, purposefully guide them towards positive ones.
Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me—practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you. (ESV, Philippians 4:8-9)
A Study of Colossians 2:15-19 covers disarming the rulers and authorities, avoiding disqualifications, and holding fast to the head.
A Study of Colossians 2:15-19. Disarming the rulers and authorities
V.15 He disarmed the rulers and authorities and put them to open shame, by triumphing over them in him.
This verse continues Paul’s thought in V.14 where he talks about “cancelling the record of debt” and “nailing it to the cross.”
The Greek word for “disarmed” is apĕkduŏmai, which means to divest wholly oneself, put off and despoil. It also includes the idea of stripping away. The Greek word for “triumphing” is thriambĕuō, which means to conquer, give victory, and to make an acclamatory procession.
And it presents a familiar picture to the Colossians. When Roman generals returned home after winning a war, they paraded through the middle of town followed by their spoils of war: loot and captured prisoners. It was a public declaration of victory.
Who are the rulers and authorities?
Who Paul specifically means by “rulers and authorities” is unclear. Is he alluding to the Roman authorities and Jewish religious leaders who collaborated to arrest and crucify Jesus? They abused their power and initially won. But in the end, the tables were turned and Jesus was the real winner. Because his death set mankind free from sin. An eternal victory and inspirational, underdog story for sure.
However, Paul more likely means the pagan Gods and spiritual beings he alluded to earlier that the Colossians used to follow. That held them captive. Their power over the Colossians was now stripped away. Although the “who” may not be clear, the point Paul’s making is. Jesus has triumphed, over these rulers and authorities, removed their power, and set the Colossians free.
V.16 Therefore let no one pass judgment on you in questions of food and drink, or with regard to a festival or a new moon or a Sabbath.
Now that Paul has established their sins are forgiven, debt cancelled, rulers and authorities disarmed and Jesus triumphant, he moves forward with a conclusion. And he starts with a “therefore.” In other words, here is what’s next now that these things are settled.
The Greek word for “pass judgment” is krinō, which means to distinguish, decide, to try, condemn and call into question. Apparently, part of the false teaching involved regulations and observances related to Old testament, Jewish law around diet and Jewish holy days. And Paul reasserts they are not required to follow these religious practices. And not to let others condemn them for not doing so because Christ has established new covenant.
A Study of Colossians 2:15-19. Avoiding disqualifications
V.17 These are a shadow of the things to come, but the substance belongs to Christ.
In this verse Paul positions the words “shadow” and “substance” in contrast to one another. The Greek word for “shadow” is skia, which means shade or a shadow. The Greek word for “substance” is sōma, which literally means body. And Paul’s using them to make a distinction. A shadow offers an obscure view and anticipates what is to come. But Jesus is clearly visible and a present reality. Other verses on “shadow” include Hebrews 8:6 and 10:1.
V.18 Let no one disqualify you…
The Greek word for “disqualify” is katabrabĕuō, which means to beguile of reward and defraud of salvation. In other words, Christ alone is sufficient. He provides full qualification and is all you need. So don’t let others distract you and lead you away from him by adding extra provisions.
Paul describes these extra provisions.
Insisting on asceticism…
The Greek word for “asceticism” is tapĕinŏphrŏsunē, which means humiliation of mind. Asceticism was an outward expression of humility that involved practices of self-denial, like fasting. They were meant to control fleshly appetites.
And worship of angels…
Rather than an outright, worship of angels, the false teaching was more likely an unhealthy preoccupation with the angelic and spiritual realm. And anything that replaces the true God as the one we worship is idolatry.
Going on in detail about visions, puffed up without reason by his sensuous mind…
Throughout the Bible, God spoke through dreams and visions. Once, even through a talking donkey. And we hear modern stories of this too. Okay, maybe not with talking donkeys. But today, we also have God’s written word. And it is our “go to” source for discerning God’s will. Any modern dream or vision that contradicts scripture should be disregarded.
The Greek word for “sensuous” is sarx, which literally means flesh and meat of the body. But it’s often used figuratively to imply sinful humanity with its carnal passions. Perhaps a little more sarcasm from Paul? He’s describing people who are outwardly spiritual, speaking about spiritual matters, but with a mind focused on fleshly passions.
In other words, these teachers presented themselves as “super Christians” but their humility was really pride in disguise.
A Study of Colossians 2:15-19. Holding fast to the head
V.19 And not holding fast to the Head, from whom the whole body, nourished and knit together through its joints and ligaments…
Now Paul returns to what he says in 1:18. Jesus is the head of the body. The church. And these religious teachers and supposedly super Christians with their spiritual talk and practices were not holding fast to that head. But then, there’s also the body. Because Christianity is not practiced in isolation, but in community. This is where we find support, encouragement, and accountability.
Grows with a growth that is from God.
The presence of Christ through the work of the Holy Spirit empowers the church. And together, the members of that body grow together as disciples of Jesus Christ in God’s power.
Join my list and I'll notify you of new blog posts and send you a monthly newsletter. It features inspirational thoughts, writing tips, and a peek into writing projects. I'll also include my article: Exaggerate to Make Your Presentations Funny. It shows you how to punch up presentations with humor and make them more compelling.
