Study Content

Paul begins the chapter with a powerful statement.

If believers have been raised with Christ, they must seek things above.

The Greek word synegeirō means to be raised together.

Paul is reminding believers that their spiritual identity has changed.

Through Christ’s resurrection believers participate in a new life.

Because of this new life Paul instructs them to seek things above.

The word zēteō means to pursue or actively seek.

This is not passive thinking.

It is a deliberate focus of the heart and mind toward God’s kingdom.

Paul also instructs believers to set their minds on things above rather than on earthly things.

The Greek word phroneō refers to mindset or orientation of thought.

Paul is calling believers to adopt a perspective shaped by eternal realities rather than temporary concerns.

Paul explains the reason for this shift in perspective.

Believers have died, and their life is now hidden with Christ in God.

The word kryptō means concealed or hidden.

The new life of the believer is secure in Christ even if it is not always visible to the world.

Paul then points forward to the future.

When Christ appears, believers will appear with Him in glory.

This promise anchors the believer’s hope in the future fulfillment of God’s work.

Paul then shifts to the practical implications of this new identity.

He instructs believers to put to death certain behaviors.

The Greek word nekroō literally means to make dead.

Paul is describing the decisive rejection of behaviors connected to the old life.

He lists sexual immorality, impurity, passion, evil desire, and greed.

Greed is described as idolatry because it places created things in the place of God.

Paul reminds believers that these behaviors once characterized their former way of life.

But now they must also put away anger, wrath, malice, slander, and abusive speech.

The word orgē refers to settled anger.

The word thymos refers to explosive anger.

The word blasphēmia refers to harmful or abusive speech.

Paul emphasizes that these attitudes damage relationships and reflect the old nature.

Paul also instructs believers not to lie to one another.

The word pseudomai means to speak falsely.

Honesty reflects the transformation that takes place through Christ.

Paul explains that believers have put off the old self with its practices.

The word apekdyomai means to strip off clothing.

Paul uses the imagery of removing old garments.

Believers are now called to put on the new self.

The word endyo means to clothe oneself.

The new self is being renewed in knowledge according to the image of its Creator.

This renewal reflects the restoration of God’s original design for humanity.

Paul also emphasizes that in Christ old divisions lose their significance.

He lists distinctions such as Greek and Jew, circumcised and uncircumcised, slave and free.

In Christ these distinctions do not determine value or identity.

Christ is all and in all.

Paul then describes the qualities that believers should put on.

He calls them compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience.

The word splagchnon refers to deep compassion.

The word chrēstotēs refers to kindness expressed through action.

The word prautēs refers to gentle strength.

These qualities reflect the character of Christ.

Paul also instructs believers to bear with one another and forgive each other.

The word anechō means to endure or tolerate patiently.

The word charizomai refers to gracious forgiveness.

Paul reminds them that their forgiveness toward others should reflect the forgiveness they received from Christ.

Above all these qualities Paul places love.

The word agapē refers to sacrificial, self-giving love.

Paul describes love as the bond of perfection.

Love holds all the other virtues together.

Paul then speaks about the peace of Christ ruling in the heart.

The Greek word brabeuō refers to an umpire or referee.

The peace of Christ guides decisions and maintains harmony within the community.

Paul also encourages believers to let the word of Christ dwell richly within them.

The word enoikeō means to dwell or reside.

Scripture should not merely be read occasionally but allowed to fill and shape the inner life.

Paul describes believers teaching and encouraging one another with psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs.

Worship becomes a shared expression of gratitude toward God.

Paul then gives a guiding principle for daily life.

Whatever believers do in word or deed should be done in the name of the Lord Jesus.

This means that every action should reflect His authority and character.

Paul then addresses relationships within the household.

Wives are encouraged to respect their husbands.

Husbands are instructed to love their wives and avoid harshness.

Children are instructed to obey their parents.

Fathers are warned not to discourage their children.

Paul also addresses servants and masters.

Servants are encouraged to work sincerely as though serving the Lord.

Masters are reminded that they also answer to a higher authority.

Paul emphasizes that all service ultimately belongs to Christ.

The Lord is the true master over every area of life.