Colossians 3 – Set Your Hearts on Things Above

Overview

Colossians 3 shifts from theological instruction to practical exhortation. Paul begins by commanding believers to set their hearts and minds on things above, not earthly things, because they have died with Christ and their life is now hidden in Him. He calls for the mortification of sinful behaviors (vv. 5–11) and the putting on of Christlike virtues (vv. 12–17), emphasizing unity in the body of Christ and thankfulness. The chapter ends with household codes (vv. 18–25), exhorting wives, husbands, children, and servants to live out their faith in their roles under the lordship of Christ.

This chapter is foundational for Christian sanctification. It demonstrates how our new identity in Christ radically transforms our conduct, relationships, and daily lives. Colossians 3 is rich with commands rooted in gospel truths, reinforcing the biblical doctrine that justification leads to sanctification—not by works, but by grace-empowered obedience.

Historical and Literary Context

Historical Background

Paul wrote Colossians during his first Roman imprisonment (around A.D. 60–62). The church at Colossae was likely planted by Epaphras, a faithful co-laborer of Paul (Colossians 1:7). The letter addresses heretical teachings threatening the church, possibly a blend of early Gnosticism, Jewish mysticism, and legalism. Paul responds by exalting the supremacy and sufficiency of Christ (Colossians 1–2), and in chapter 3, he transitions to exhort the Colossians to live in the light of that truth.

Literary Structure

Colossians 3 is part of the paraenetic (exhortation) section typical of Paul’s letters. It begins with a “therefore,” connecting practical commands to theological foundations already laid. The structure reflects a put off/put on metaphor (vv. 5–14), a classic Pauline model for sanctification. The household code section (vv. 18–25) follows Greco-Roman convention but is redefined in the light of Christ’s lordship.

Key Themes and Doctrinal Points

1. Union with Christ

“For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God.” (v. 3)

The believer’s identity is rooted in the finished work of Christ. Because we have died and been raised with Him (v. 1), our moral and spiritual lives must reflect that union. This doctrine combats both legalism and antinomianism by rooting obedience in a relational transformation.

2. Sanctification: Putting Off and Putting On

“Put to death, therefore, whatever belongs to your earthly nature…” (v. 5)

Paul calls for decisive action—putting to death sinful behavior and attitudes (vv. 5–9) and clothing oneself with Christlike virtues (vv. 12–14). These are not optional suggestions but imperatives based on regeneration. This echoes the evangelical doctrine that genuine faith will produce fruit.

3. The Image of God Restored

“…which is being renewed in knowledge in the image of its Creator.” (v. 10)

Sin distorted God’s image in man (Genesis 1:27), but salvation in Christ initiates a renewal. Sanctification is the Spirit-driven process of restoring that image, culminating in glorification. This affirms the dignity of the believer and the transformative power of grace.

4. Christ’s Lordship Over All Areas of Life

“And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus…” (v. 17)

Christ is Lord not just of our hearts but of our homes, workplaces, and relationships. The household code (vv. 18–25) challenges cultural norms by placing Jesus at the center of all authority structures.

5. The Sufficiency and Authority of Scripture

The practical instructions in this chapter flow directly from the doctrinal truths in earlier chapters. Paul’s approach shows that Scripture is both authoritative and sufficient for life and godliness (2 Timothy 3:16-17).

Key Doctrinal Applications

God’s Sovereignty: Christ is sovereign over all creation and every detail of the believer’s life (v. 17). We submit to Him not just in worship, but in all relationships.
Creation and New Creation: Echoing Genesis, Paul teaches that believers are a new creation being renewed in God’s image.
Sanctification: True believers grow in holiness by God’s power, not by human effort (Philippians 2:12-13).
The Holy Spirit’s Work: Though not named explicitly in this chapter, the process of mortification and renewal is only possible through the Spirit (cf. Romans 8:13; Galatians 5:16-25).

Sermon and Teaching Outline

Title: “Raised with Christ: Living the New Life”

Text: Colossians 3

Homiletical Outline:

Set Your Heart and Mind on Things Above (vv. 1–4)

Exhortation: Live in light of your resurrection with Christ
Illustration: A soldier who no longer serves his old nation
Application: Focus on eternal values; seek God’s kingdom first

Put to Death the Old Self (vv. 5–11)

Exhortation: Mortify sin decisively
Example: Joseph fleeing Potiphar’s wife (Genesis 39)
Application: Identify areas of compromise and repent

III. Put on the New Self (vv. 12–17)

Exhortation: Cultivate Christlike character
Transition: From sin’s dominion to Spirit-empowered living
Application: Practice forgiveness, love, and peace daily

Live Out Christ’s Lordship in the Home (vv. 18–25)

Exhortation: Honor Christ in family and work relationships
Contextual Note: These instructions elevated women, children, and slaves in a radical way for Paul’s time
Application: Your faith must shape your private and public life

Verse-by-Verse Analysis of Colossians 3 (NIV)

Colossians 3:1-4 – “Set your hearts on things above”

v.1 – “Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God.”

Explanation: Paul starts with a reminder of the believer’s resurrection with Christ—past tense, indicating it has already occurred spiritually (cf. Romans 6:4). Christ’s session at God’s right hand (Psalm 110:1) signals His authority and majesty.
Application: Our pursuits should reflect eternal priorities, not earthly attachments.

v.2 – “Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.”

Doctrine: This points to a renewed mind (Romans 12:2). It’s a daily discipline to align our thoughts with heaven’s values.
Cross-Reference: Philippians 4:8 — “Whatever is true… think on these things.”

v.3 – “For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God.”

Theological Insight: Believers are spiritually dead to sin (Galatians 2:20) and their identity is secure—“hidden”—in Christ.
Encouragement: No earthly force can remove what God has sealed.

v.4 – “When Christ, who is your life, appears, then you also will appear with him in glory.”

Doctrine: This is the hope of glorification (1 John 3:2). Christ is not just the source of life—He is our life.
Application: Live in light of the Second Coming.

Colossians 3:5-11 – “Put to death what is earthly”

v.5 – “Put to death, therefore, whatever belongs to your earthly nature…”

Moral Command: Kill sin decisively. This includes sexual immorality and greed, which is idolatry.
Cross-Reference: Romans 8:13 – “If by the Spirit you put to death the misdeeds of the body…”

vv.6–7 – Warns of God’s wrath on such behavior and reminds the Colossians of their past life.

Application: The Christian must never return to sin as a pattern (cf. Ephesians 2:1-3).

v.8 – “But now you must also rid yourselves…”

Lists sins of speech and anger. Sanctification is not only about behavior but about heart attitudes.

v.9–10 – Put off the old self, put on the new.

Doctrinal Insight: This echoes 2 Corinthians 5:17. Regeneration results in a new nature that continues to be renewed (progressive sanctification).

v.11 – “Christ is all, and is in all.”

Application: In the church, social, ethnic, and cultural divisions fade. Christ unites all believers.

Colossians 3:12-17 – “Put on Christlike virtues”

v.12 – “Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved…”

Theology: Election precedes sanctification. God’s love motivates obedience.
Virtues Listed: Compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, patience.

v.13 – “Bear with each other… forgive as the Lord forgave you.”

Christ Connection: Forgiveness flows from the cross (Ephesians 4:32).

v.14 – “And over all these virtues put on love…”

Love binds all together—the supreme fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22).

v.15 – “Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts…”

Peace is the umpire of Christian decisions and community life.

v.16 – “Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly…”

Centrality of Scripture in worship, teaching, and singing.
Cross-Reference: Ephesians 5:18-19 – being filled with the Spirit parallels being filled with the Word.

v.17 – “Whatever you do… do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus…”

The lordship of Christ governs every aspect of life. There is no sacred-secular divide.

Colossians 3:18-25 – “Christ-centered relationships”

vv.18–21 – Instructions to wives, husbands, children, and fathers

Context: These mirror Greco-Roman household codes but are Christ-focused.
Doctrine: Submission and love are mutual responsibilities grounded in Christ’s example (Ephesians 5:22-33).

vv.22–25 – Instructions to bondservants

Application: For modern believers, these verses apply to workplace ethics.
Key Principle: Serve as unto the Lord, not merely human masters. God rewards faithful service (v.24).

Theological Implications and Connection to Jesus Christ

Colossians 3 flows from the central truth of Christ’s supremacy (Colossians 1:15-20). Jesus is:

The source of new life (v.1)
The object of our affections and thoughts (v.2)
The one who will return in glory (v.4)
Our pattern for forgiveness and love (v.13–14)
The ruling presence in our hearts and homes (v.15–17, v.18–25)

This chapter teaches that sanctification is Christ-centered. Believers are not just imitating Christ—they are united to Him and empowered by Him to live out the new self. This union ties into the broader redemptive story:

Creation: We are being renewed in the image of our Creator (v.10)
Fall: The earthly nature (v.5) reflects Adam’s disobedience
Redemption: Christ’s death and resurrection secure our spiritual rebirth (v.1)
Restoration: Our glorification with Christ is certain (v.4)

The gospel doesn’t just save—it transforms. And that transformation affects every corner of our lives.

Connection to God the Father

Throughout Colossians 3, the Father’s role is quietly yet deeply present:

v.1 – Christ is seated at the right hand of God—the Father exalted the Son.
v.3 – “Your life is hidden with Christ in God.” The believer is secured in the Father through the Son.
v.17 – “…giving thanks to God the Father through him.” Worship and obedience ultimately glorify the Father.
v.24 – “It is the Lord Christ you are serving.” Yet the inheritance comes from the Lord, highlighting the Father’s gift through the Son.

God the Father is the initiator of salvation, the one who sent the Son, and the one to whom all worship ascends. He is glorified as we walk in the image of His Son, empowered by the Spirit.

Connection to the Holy Spirit

Though Colossians 3 does not mention the Holy Spirit by name, His work is deeply embedded in every part of the chapter:

Empowering Sanctification
- The Spirit is the agent by whom believers put to death the deeds of the flesh (cf. Romans 8:13; Galatians 5:16).
- The process of “putting off” the old self and “putting on” the new is only possible through the Spirit’s indwelling presence (Titus 3:5).
Producing Christlike Virtues
- The virtues listed in verses 12–14—compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, patience, love—mirror the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23).
- These are not mere personality traits, but supernatural qualities cultivated by the Spirit.
Governing Christian Worship and Unity
- The command to “let the message of Christ dwell among you richly” (v.16) is parallel to being “filled with the Spirit” in Ephesians 5:18-19.
- Spirit-filled believers overflow with thanksgiving, Scripture-saturated worship, and harmonious relationships in the body.
Guiding Peace and Wisdom
- The peace of Christ ruling in our hearts (v.15) and wisdom for mutual admonishment (v.16) come from the Spirit’s guidance and illumination.

Conclusion: While Christ is the focus, the Holy Spirit is the power behind our transformation. This chapter calls us to live Spirit-filled lives rooted in the gospel.

Sermon Outline and Flow

Title: “New Life in Christ: Living from Above”

Text: Colossians 3:1–25

Theme: Because believers are raised with Christ, they must live a new life by putting off sin, putting on righteousness, and honoring Christ in every relationship.

Introduction: “A Life That Reflects Heaven”

Story: A man buys new clothes for a new job, but continues dressing like his old life out of habit. Eventually, someone asks, “Why are you still dressed like that?”
Tie-in: That’s Paul’s challenge—why live in the old ways if we’ve been raised with Christ?

I. Set Your Heart and Mind on Heaven (vv. 1–4)

Main Point: Our identity in Christ transforms our priorities.

Application: Evaluate what consumes your thoughts and affections.
Illustration: A couple expecting a child begins to rearrange their lives—spending, schedule, mindset—based on what’s coming.

II. Put to Death the Old Life (vv. 5–11)

Main Point: Sanctification begins with ruthlessly removing sin.

Transition: You cannot wear the new until you discard the old.
Application: Confess and eliminate patterns of anger, lust, greed, etc.
Example: A man battling internet pornography installs software accountability and asks for mentoring. Sin cannot be managed—it must be killed.

III. Put On the New Life (vv. 12–17)

Main Point: Believers must wear the virtues of Christ—especially love.

Application: Practice daily the virtues of forgiveness, patience, and peace in community life.
Illustration: Like putting on a uniform every day that identifies you—these virtues are your gospel “clothing.”
Tip: Write Colossians 3:12-14 on a card and pray it each morning for 30 days.

IV. Let Christ Rule in Your Home and Work (vv. 18–25)

Main Point: Faith must be lived out in our closest relationships.

Application: Husbands lead with love, wives submit with joy, children obey, employees serve wholeheartedly.
Example: A Christian business owner treats his employees with dignity, not just fairness, knowing he’s accountable to God.

Conclusion: Living a Gospel Life That Shines

Call to Action:

Examine one area of your life where the “old self” is still lingering.
Ask the Holy Spirit to empower real change.
Commit to one relational act this week that reflects the peace, love, and message of Christ.

Closing Illustration:
Imagine a stained window. From the outside, it may appear dull. But when light shines through it, the colors come alive. Our lives are that stained window—Christ is the light. When we put off sin and put on righteousness, we reflect His glory to the world.

Illustrations and Examples

New Passport, Same Old Travel:
A man receives a passport to a new country but keeps living by the rules of the old one. Paul is saying, “Live like a citizen of heaven, not earth.”
Spiritual Closet:
Imagine your spiritual life as a closet. Paul says to throw away the garments of lust, greed, anger—and put on the jacket of kindness, the belt of love, the shoes of peace.
Workplace Witness:
A Christian who never complains, shows up early, and treats co-workers with grace stands out—not because he preaches loudly, but because he quietly lives differently.
Music Analogy:
A worship team must stay in tune with the lead instrument. Likewise, believers must stay in tune with the “peace of Christ” (v.15) as the guide for decision-making and unity.

Application for Today’s Christian

Colossians 3 offers clear, actionable guidance for living out the Christian faith in a fallen world. Its focus on identity in Christ, sanctification, and relationships gives it direct relevance in the areas of discipleship, stewardship, and practical obedience.

1. Discipleship: Living a Transformed Life

Renew your mindset daily (v.2): Begin each day by focusing your thoughts on Christ and His Word. Meditate on Scripture before social media or the news.
Kill sin decisively (v.5): Identify sinful habits—anger, lust, dishonesty—and take practical steps toward holiness. Use accountability, prayer, and community.
Clothe yourself in Christlike character (vv.12–14): Practice forgiveness, kindness, and humility even when it’s hard. Let your relationships reflect the love and grace you’ve received.

2. Stewardship: Honoring God in Every Role

Time and speech stewardship: Let the Word of Christ dwell in you richly (v.16). Prioritize Scripture over entertainment. Encourage others with your words.
Workplace integrity: Whatever you do, do it for the Lord (v.17, 23). View your job, whether high-profile or unnoticed, as a mission field and an act of worship.

3. Family and Relationship Roles

Marriages: Husbands are called to love sacrificially and gently. Wives are called to joyful submission in the context of mutual honor (vv.18–19). These are not cultural relics, but gospel-patterned roles.
Parenting: Fathers must avoid provoking their children. Children must learn obedience from a young age, not because of fear but from faith.
Employees/Employers: In modern terms, workers should honor supervisors with integrity, and Christian bosses should model Christlike leadership.

Connection to God’s Love

Colossians 3 reveals God’s love in both who we are and how we are called to live. His love is not merely emotional—it is transforming, covenantal, and restorative.

1. We Are Chosen, Holy, and Loved (v.12)

God chose us not because of our goodness, but because of His grace. This echoes Deuteronomy 7:7–8 where Israel is loved simply because God set His affection on them.
That we are “holy” (set apart) reminds us of His desire to purify us for Himself (Titus 2:14).

2. Redemption from the Old Life

In love, God did not leave us in our sin. He calls us to put it to death (v.5) and has provided the means of transformation through Christ and the Spirit.
His love does not excuse sin but delivers us from it (Romans 6:1-4).

3. A New Life Secured and Hidden in Christ (v.3)

The phrase “your life is now hidden with Christ in God” speaks of eternal security and deep, abiding union. This is the love of a Father who guards His children and gives them a new name and destiny.

4. A Future Glory Awaiting Us (v.4)

God’s love not only redeems us in the present but promises a future appearing with Christ in glory. He is preparing us to be with Him forever.

Broader Biblical Themes

Colossians 3 fits into the grand narrative of Scripture by reinforcing foundational biblical themes: creation, fall, redemption, sanctification, and restoration.

1. Creation and the Image of God

Verse 10 says the new self is “being renewed in knowledge in the image of its Creator.”
This recalls Genesis 1:26-27, where humanity was created in God’s image. That image was marred by sin but is being restored through union with Christ.
This highlights God’s original design and His plan to restore what was broken.

2. Redemption through Christ

Our identity is now in Christ (v.3), not in the world or sin.
This chapter affirms that salvation is not only about forgiveness but also about transformation (Romans 8:29).
Christ’s supremacy (Col. 1:15–20) undergirds the ethical commands here—He is not just Savior, but Lord.

3. Covenant and Community

Paul addresses the body of believers, not isolated individuals. He calls them to corporate worship, mutual instruction, and harmony (vv.15–16).
This reflects the covenantal nature of God’s people throughout Scripture—from Israel to the Church—bound together in love under God’s authority.

4. The Already-Not-Yet Kingdom

We’ve already been raised with Christ (v.1), but we are not yet glorified (v.4).
This tension runs throughout the New Testament, reminding believers that present obedience points toward future fulfillment (Philippians 3:20-21; 1 Peter 1:13).

Reflection Questions

Use these questions for personal devotions, family worship, or small group discussions. They aim to move the text from the page into the heart and life of each believer.

Verses 1–4: New Identity and Eternal Perspective

What does it practically look like to “set your heart on things above”? What daily habits help you do this?
How does knowing your life is “hidden with Christ in God” give you confidence or peace in uncertain times?
In what ways does your life currently reflect a heavenly mindset?

Verses 5–11: Putting Sin to Death

Are there any sinful patterns that God is calling you to “put to death”?
What steps can you take this week to be ruthless with sin, rather than tolerant of it?
How does understanding your new identity in Christ motivate your pursuit of holiness?

Verses 12–17: Putting On the Character of Christ

Which Christlike virtue listed in verses 12–14 do you struggle with the most—and why?
How can you actively “let the peace of Christ rule in your heart” during conflict or tension?
In what ways can you let “the message of Christ dwell among you richly” at home, in your friendships, or in your church?

Verses 18–25: Christ in Every Relationship

How can your role at home (as a spouse, parent, child, or single person) better reflect the lordship of Christ?
How does verse 23 challenge your current attitude toward your job or responsibilities?
What would change in your daily life if you truly believed that “it is the Lord Christ you are serving”?

Whole Chapter Reflection

Which part of Colossians 3 has impacted you the most—and why?
What is one specific action you will take this week to live out your new life in Christ?
How can your local church better reflect the values and virtues found in Colossians 3?