Exploring the Scripture
Chapter 3 of Colossians begins with a gentle wordplay around the verb “to rise.” Paul reminds the Colossians that having been “raised with Christ, seek the things that are above” compared to things “on earth.”
The intent is not to ignore the earthly reality in which we live. This is the world God loves and continues to care for. Jesus came into and redeemed this world. We have a role in helping to transform the brokenness of this world into an echo of God’s future peaceable reign. Turning from “things that are on earth” means refusing to be governed by values and ethics not centered in Christ.
Paul presents an image of Jesus seated at the right hand of God, a position of authority and power. This Risen Christ becomes the center of thoughts, actions, and life when old habits and divisions are buried in the waters of baptism.
Life “hidden with Christ in God” (v. 3) is a resurrected life that remains a mystery to those who are non-believers. The passage reminds us we cannot know all the answers or see the future. It is hidden in Christ, but we can trust Christ to bring about good. Ideally, the life of a follower merges with the life of Christ so they cannot be distinguished. It is a life secure in faith and trust, unlike a life centered on superficial values and goals. Paul affirms that, eventually, the world will see and recognize Christ. Only then will the lives of his followers be understood by everyone.
Paul encourages the Colossians to put aside personal behaviors that work against the glory of God: fornication, greed, impurity, evil passions, and idolatry. Greed includes not only craving money, but our runaway consumerism. These are marks of the lives of non-believers, and God will punish such disobedience. He adds a second list of social vices that creep into human relationships: anger, wrath, malice, slander, and abusive language.
“Do not lie to one another…” (v. 9). Telling the truth can be difficult when it means looking steadfastly at realities we would rather not see, such as the poverty and abuse that we have helped create by our greed. The truth about climate crises, political systems, and the causes of war often are discarded for lies that comfort and support preconceived world views. Clinging to half-truths or twisted interpretations of facts that are lies tears down the community by erecting barriers and divisions.
Discarding an old set of clothes and putting on a new set was symbolic of baptism. The faithful have cast aside the old ways to clothe “yourselves with the new self” (v. 10). The new self is not a finished product. God constantly is renewing lives physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. God’s restoring action recreates disciples in God’s image rather than in images founded on national loyalties, religious rituals, economic status, education, or bondage.
When everyone is formed in the image of God, there are no distinctions and divisions. All are equal and of worth, despite any individual variations. For those who walk in the image of God, “Christ is all and in all!” (v. 11). Only when Christ is all and in all can a true Christian community emerge as the new creation.
Project Zion Podcast
Hosts Karin Peter and Blake Smith consider how this week's scripture connects to our lives today.
Central Ideas
- Christians’ values, ethics, and actions should align with God’s vision of the peaceable realm.
- Life “hidden with Christ in God” is a resurrected life that can be understood only partially. We never can know all the answers or see the future.
- Avoiding lies includes looking steadfastly at realities we would rather not see.
- God constantly is renewing our lives and calling us to grow as disciples.
Questions to Consider
- What are the “things above” we should seek? How relevant is this text for today’s world?
- Why should we try to do anything if we cannot know God’s plan?
- What are some of this world’s realities we would rather not recognize? How can we “tell the truth” about these realities through a life centered on Christ?
- What are the clothes of the new self that we must put on? How many are you wearing already, and how many do you still need to done?