If then you were raised with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ is, sitting at the right hand of God. Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth. For you died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. When Christ who is our life appears, then you also will appear with Him in glory. Therefore, put to death your members which are on the earth: fornication, uncleanness, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry. Because of these things the wrath of God is coming upon the sons of disobedience, in which you yourselves once walked when you lived in them but now you yourselves are to put off all these: anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy language out of your mouth. Do not lie to one another, since you have put off the old man with his deeds and have put on the new man who is renewed in knowledge according to the image of Him who created him, where there is neither Greek nor Jew, circumcised nor uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave nor free, but Christ is all and in all. - (Col 3:1–11).
Today, we will be examining this text from a broad perspective. Upon perusing the text for practical applications, it becomes apparent that Paul has issued three imperatives. An imperative is a sentence that provides direction or commands action. Living a life that is pleasing to God is a challenge that many Christians face. We often find ourselves caught up in the things of this world and forget about our heavenly calling. In Colossians 3:1-11, the Apostle Paul provides some practical advice on how to live a pleasing life to God. Today, we will examine this text from a broad perspective and identify three imperatives that Paul has given us.
Paul's first imperative in Colossians 3:1 is to seek the things which are above. He explains, "If then you were raised with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ is, sitting at the right hand of God." The reason for this directive is that believers have been raised with Christ. This truth is not merely a symbol or tradition but a spiritual reality that has been symbolized through the act of baptism.
We are made alive in Christ and part of God's family when we become believers. As a result, our focus should be on seeking the things above rather than being consumed by the things of this world. Our minds should be fixed on God's will and purposes, and we should strive to live a life honouring Him.
It is all too easy to get caught up in the distractions and pleasures of this world, but as Christians, we are called to a higher purpose. We must seek God's kingdom and His righteousness above all else (Matthew 6:33). This means prioritizing time in prayer, reading the Bible, and being involved in a faith community.
As we seek the things above, we will find that our priorities and values begin to shift. The temporary pleasures of this world will lose their appeal, and our hearts will be filled with a desire for the things of God. We will begin to see the world through His eyes and live our lives in a way that brings glory to Him. By seeking the things above, we will find a deeper sense of purpose and fulfillment in our lives, and our hearts will be transformed to reflect the character of Christ.
The second imperative is to put our members on the earth to death. Paul writes, "Therefore, put to death your members which are on the earth: fornication, uncleanness, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry" (Colossians 3:5). But what does Paul mean by put to death your members which are on earth?
The term "flesh" or "fleshly" desires is used in the Bible to describe the desires of our sinful nature or the part of us inclined towards disobedience and rebellion against God. This includes a wide range of desires and behaviors, including sexual immorality, impurity, lustful pleasures, idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, jealousy, selfish ambition, envy, drunkenness, and wild parties. These desires and behaviors are opposed to the will of God and can lead to spiritual death and separation from God.
The reason for Paul's imperative to put to death our members which are on the earth is that the wrath of God is coming upon the sons of disobedience. Despite popular cultural beliefs that God is only loving and forgiving, the Bible portrays God as both just and loving. In fact, God's justice is based on His love. Thus, Paul's warning of God's wrath is rooted in God's love. This concept is not new and is reiterated in Romans 1, where Paul says that the wrath of God is revealed against all unrighteousness and ungodliness.
As believers, we must recognize that we are called to put to death our sinful nature and live a pleasing life to God. Our old selves have died, and our new lives are hidden with Christ in God. Therefore, we should strive to live a life that is holy and pleasing to Him.
The third imperative is to not lie to one another. Paul writes, "Do not lie to one another, since you have put off the old man with his deeds and have put on the new man who is renewed in knowledge according to the image of Him who created him" (Colossians 3:9-10). This imperative is because we have put off the old self and put on the new self. As believers, we should strive to live a life characterized by truthfulness and honesty. We should avoid lying to one another and instead speak the truth in love.
The Apostle Paul has given us practical advice on how to live a pleasing life to God. We are called to seek those things above, put our members on the earth to death, and not lie to one another. As believers, we should strive to live a life characterized by holiness, truthfulness, and love. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus and pursue a life that is pleasing to Him.
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