COLOSSIANS -- CHAPTER THREE
(vs 1) NOTE: Chapter two-- negative; Chapter three-- positive.
Note: 2:20 -- "Died with Christ"; 2:12 -- "Buried with Him"
Now: "Raised with Christ."
Thus, the death, burial, and resurrection of each one.
As Jesus was crucified, buried and raised, so must
each child of God go through the same events.
2 Cor. 5:14-17; Gal. 2:20-21.
"together" -- "with" -- union, relationship.
"seek" -- Not accidental; Pursue those things which are
approved of God.
Phil. 4:8 -- "Think on these things..." (Cf. 3:12)
"seated" -- forever settles the question of the distinct
personalities in the Godhead.
"right hand" -- the place of authority
(vs 2) "Set your mind" -- Planned effort, not accidental.
"things above" vs "things upon the earth" -- Great contrast!
"Things above" -- spiritual, eternal
"upon the earth" -- fleshly ends; gratification of flesh.
NOTE: For what do we strive? Where do we exert our
energies? What is first in our lives??
(vs 3) "ye died" -- Dead to the world, earthly pleasures and
satisfactions.
The crucifixion must have its counterpart in us; we died to
the attractions of the world (flesh).
Cf. A dead person has no connection to the world, the
world has no attraction to the dead.
"hid with Christ" -- Secure in Christ;
Gal. 2:20 -- "Christ liveth in me."
Phil. 1:21 -- "For me to live is Christ."
(vs 4) Reference to Christ's second coming. 1 Jn. 3:2; 1 Cor 15:50-
58; 1 Thess. 4:13-18.
"glory" -- beyond human description.
(vs 5) "earth" -- fleshly desires
"Put to death" -- having been crucified; Rom. 8:13; Gal.5:24.
Paul now lists some of the overt acts of sin:
"fornication" -- illicit relationships, married or unmarried.
"uncleanness" -- impure deeds and thoughts; (Rom. 1:24).
"Passion" -- Rom. 1:26 "vile passions"; 1 Thess. 4:5 "lust."
"evil desires" -- 1 Jn. 2:16; the desires of the flesh. The
source of evil deeds.
"covetousness" -- the desire to obtain that which belongs to
another, whereby evil desires are used to obtain.
NOTE: We must be exceedingly careful here -- In our
giving, may we not hold back that which rightfully
belongs to God.
"idolatry" -- forming a god of their own; one will worship
that on which his/her heart is set; the results or
end of their labor. If a man "covets" money, then his
whole existence is to achieve more, thus making it
his idol, his god.
Note: Eph. 5:3-6.
(vs 6) "wrath of God" -- Living without restraint brings this wrath.
Sodom and Gomorrah -- God's wrath poured out because of
these types of sins.
"sons of disobedience" -- there must be law before there can
be disobedience; cannot disobey when not commanded.
Thus, those outside of Christ are under law to God.
(vs 7) These had lived in their fleshly desires before obeying the
gospel. As do all men. (Cf. 1 Cor. 6:9-11)
"walked" -- continual action; not just an occasional act.
"lived in" -- It was their way of life.
(vs 8) "put them ALL away" -- Must be a complete break from the old
man of sin. No partial obedience.
"anger" -- Emotion of displeasure brought on by others. God
demands that His children control themselves at all
times. We must control our feelings. (Eph. 4:26)
"wrath" -- Eph. 4:31, "Anger" when left uncontrolled will
develop "wrath." Violent anger.
"malice" -- Intent to injure the other party; the conclusion
to "anger, wrath."
"railing" -- ranting accusations; derisive, scornful
language.
"shameful speaking" -- Obscene language, control your tongue.
The tongue reveals what is in the mind. Eph. 4:29;
Jas. 3:1-12.
(vs 9) "lie not..." -- Be truthful. Lying is an effort to deceive.
Eph 4:25.
"put off old man" -- That old man of sin has been crucified.
Since the old man is dead, crucified, do not allow
his "doings" to influence us.
(vs 10) "put on new man" -- A different one now controls our actions
There is a new standard by which we live. WHAT A
CONTRAST. A new Master to follow.
"knowledge" -- It is through knowledge that we learn of
Christ, how to live, act, talk, etc. He left us an
example. (1 Pet. 2:21-24). Rom. 12:2.
"the image....him" -- the new man; Through a knowledge of
Christ, we are reflect His image.
(vs 11) There are no class, nor nationality distinctions in Christ.
All are included in the Gospel. Mt. 28:18-19. Rom. 1:16.
Rom. 10:12.
Note: It does not follow that all have the same duties, or
obligations to perform. These are determined by applying
God's Word to each one.
"Christ is all..." -- We are dependent upon our Master for
all things.
(vs 12) Having been informed as to what must be "put off" (the "old
man"), we must replace the "old" with the "new."
"Put on therefore" -- A new life must replace that old one.
"God's elect" -- The Jews had been God's chosen (elect). Now
both Jew and Gentile are equally God's elect.
Eph. 1:11-14 -- election came through obedience
to the gospel.
"heart of compassion" -- Be merciful. Phil. 2:l. Think of the
compassion Jehovah has had on us.
"kindness" -- the spirit of gentleness.
"lowliness" -- Not proud nor haughty, rather humble and
submissive. Jesus was "meek and lowly" Mt. 11:29.
"meekness" -- Gentle, in spite of the actions of others.
Remember our Lord -- beaten, ridiculed, mocked, yet,
"forgive them Father...."
"longsuffering" -- Unresentful while suffering wrongs. The
nature of mankind is to strike back when struck.
God's child does not meet anger with anger.
(vs 13) "forbearing...." -- When differences between brethren arise,
we should be gentle and patient, not quick to demand
our rights. There is no place in our life to seek
vengeance.
"as Christ" -- He gave us that perfect example of love and
compassion; while we were yet in our sins, He died
for us. We must follow His example.
(vs 14) "put on love" -- This love is not a shallow emotional kind
of feeling, but a deep abiding concern. "Love" is the
basis of obedience. (1 Jn. 5:3).
"bond of perfectness" -- true love will result in
completeness or perfection. Full-grown in Christ. It
is love that connects us to God. It is love that
makes us like God. Cf. 1 Cor 13:13.
(vs 15) "peace of Christ" -- the peace that Christ gives. Phil. 4:7.
Note: Some translations give "the peace of God."
Since Christ is deity, either is correct.
"rule" -- control, master, oversee, umpire, preside over.
Where would sports be without "rules"?
"ye were called" -- 2 Thess. 2:14.
"in one body" -- 1 Cor. 12:12-26.
"be ye thankful" -- promotes harmony and peace. Paul often
refers to "thanks" or "thanksgiving." (1:3, 12; 2:7;
3:17; 4:2.)
An ungrateful people is commonly a tumultuous,
agitated, restless and dissatisfied people.
Nothing tends to promote peace and order than
gratitude to God for His mercies.
Ingratitude marks paganism -- Rom. 1:21.
(vs 16) "the word of Christ" -- The teachings of Christ; teachings
proceeding from Christ.
NOTE: The peace of Christ (vs.15) depends upon the Word
of Christ dwelling in us (vs 16).
NOTE: Eph. 5:18 -- The Spirit dwells ("filled with the
Spirit") in us as the "word of Christ" dwells in us.
"richly" -- suggests abundance.
"teaching" -- that's what the word does.
"admonishing" --to persuade, entreat.
"one another" -- each has a responsibility to participate.
NOTE: Music has an effect on people. Look at the ungodly:
They have learned the effect of music. They keep a
flow of suggestive, sinful, lewd, emotion-stirring,
songs coming at all times.
"psalms, hymns, spiritual songs" -- different types of songs.
"singing" -- "Psallo" with grace in your hearts.
NOTE: Some seek to include mechanical instruments of
music on the argument that "psallo" includes them.
The word means "to pluck, twang," but the context
must determine what is "plucked or twanged." Here it
is the "heart." "Psalloing in your heart."
K.J. -- 154 scholars.
R.V. -- 101 scholars
155 scholars -- all agree "SING."
NOTE: Instrumental music does not aid in conveying
thoughts and sentiments to the heart of the listener.
Instrumental music may (if it aids at all) assist
in the execution of the musical performance, thus,
appealing to the ears of men; appealing to the human,
carnal side of man.
NOTE: Man often seeks to display their abilities. Their
ego is inflated, the audience is diverted toward a
musical performance to entertain, rather than worship
and service to Jehovah. Often the instrument becomes
the principal objective. Singing thus becomes an
accompaniment to the instrument. It becomes a mere
performance; entertainment.
NOTE: Why are we to sing? To please men or God? A good
organist may stir up the emotions of men, but if God
does not authorize it, He is not pleased.
The golden calf of Aaron may have stimulated the
Israelites, but it did not please Jehovah.
"with grace" -- Prompted by God's goodness to man. Melody
which comes from the heart. Finding favor with God.
NOTE: Charles Spurgeon (Baptist preacher for years in one
of London's largest churches) said, "I had just as
soon pray to God with machinery as to sing to him
with machinery." He never permitted the use of
mechanical instruments of music.
(vs 17) AUTHORITY. Not an accident that this verse follows vs. 16.
If a church can do one thing without divine authority
it can do any other thing without authority. Thus,
man-made churches have brought in all kinds of
gimmicks and unauthorized deeds.
"in word or deed" -- involves the whole life.
"In the name of" -- by the authority of. Cf. "in the name of
the law."
"thanks" -- gratitude. Perhaps one of the most despicable
sins before Jehovah is that of ingratitude, the lack
of appreciation for all that He has done for us.
(vs 18) GOD'S ARRANGEMENTS:
"subjection" -- cf. Eph. 5:22-33, As the church is subject to
Christ, so the wife should be to her husband. God has
ordained from the beginning that the husband should
be the head of the family. (1 Cor. 11:3; 1 Pet. 3:1-
2).
"as is fitting in the Lord" -- As is proper, right.
NOTE: There is one other stipulation -- Acts 5:29 "We
must obey God rather than man." The wife is not
permitted to disobey God in her obedience to husband.
(vs 19) "husbands" -- Husband likewise has an obligation -- TO LOVE
HIS WIFE. Love is the basis or foundation of this
relationship. A loving husband will not ask nor
expect his wife to go contrary to her Lord.
NOTE: Husbands, your wife is not your slave.
1 Pet. 3:7 -- "give honor...." both are "joint heirs."
"be not bitter" -- harsh, there will be no bitterness where
love is present. There is no place for coldness nor
indifference in a loving relationship.
(vs 20) "Children" -- Children should respect and obey parents, as
parents obey and respect God.
Note: Eph. 6:1 -- "obey parents in the Lord"
God's commands must always come first.
"well pleasing" -- Whatever it is, our choices should be done
to please Jehovah. How pleasant it is to see children
lovingly obedient to their parents.
(vs 21) "Fathers, provoke not..." -- Do not be hard to please, harsh
or severe. Harshness may well develop rebellion on
the part of the child.
"not discouraged" -- If the child is constantly rebuked or
scolded, never encouraged, the time will come when
they become discouraged and give up. A child can be
broken. Do not exasperate them. But, this does not
rule our discipline.
Note: Children are to be taught obedience through love.
(vs 22) "Servants" -- Slavery existed at this time; with state
approval. Christianity did not dissolve slavery by
decree. But, both slave and master were given new guide
lines to regulate the actions of each. Yet, everywhere
Christianity goes slavery is ultimately abolished.
"in all things" -- Not only in the agreeable and pleasant,
but also in matters unpleasant and disagreeably.
"eyeservice" -- Service only when Master is watching.
"singleness of heart" -- undivided attention; willing service
from the heart.
"fearing the Lord" -- the Lord is watching; He demands our
very best. We shall stand in judgement as to how we
have responded to the assignments, work, we are
given.
(vs 23) "work heartily" -- We serve the Lord, even when serving
others. The Lord is ever watching us. Are we
fulfilling our obligations? The boss is watching;
but, so also is the Lord.
"not unto men" -- pleasing men is only secondary. "There's An
All Seeing Eye Watching You."
(vs 24) The Lord will reward His servants. So, whether free or bond
servant, serve God faithfully.
(vs 25) Wrong shall be punished, whether done by slave or free.
"no respecter of persons" -- True in salvation (Acts 10:34)
or in labor. God does not give reward for being a
freeman, or a slave; He demands faithful service for
all, regardless of our situation in life.
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