Let the Word of Christ Dwell in You Richly (Colossians 3)
Colossians 3
This is a recap of our Bible Caller Club meeting on June 28th, 2026 over this passage. If you want to join the club and attend future meetings and study with us via phone, click here.
Context:
In our Bible study on June 28, 2026, we continued our journey through the book of Colossians. Having covered the theology in the first two chapters—which establish the all-sufficiency and divinity of Jesus Christ—our group noted how chapter three marks a practical turning point, starting with the word "therefore" and shifting to how our lives should change because of who Christ is.
1. What’s happening in this passage?
In our study tonight, we read through all of Colossians chapter three. The passage begins with a powerful call to action based on the truth that believers have been "raised up with Christ" (Colossians 3:1). Paul urges the Colossian church to set their minds on heavenly things, not earthly ones, because their old life has died and their new life is hidden with Christ in God (Colossians 3:2-3). As one club member pointed out, this is a direct contrast to the false philosophies of mysticism and Gnosticism the Colossians were tempted by, which promised spiritual elevation through human effort. Paul corrects this, showing that true spiritual newness comes only through Jesus. The chapter then commands believers to "put to death" the practices of their old earthly nature, listing sins like sexual immorality, impurity, greed, anger, and malice (Colossians 3:5, 8). In their place, believers are to "put on" new virtues that reflect their new identity in Christ: compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, patience, and forgiveness, with love being the ultimate virtue that unifies everything (Colossians 3:12-14). Finally, the chapter applies these principles to specific household relationships—wives and husbands, children and fathers, and slaves and masters—instructing everyone to act in their roles with a spirit of love and submission, doing everything as if they are doing it for the Lord Himself (Colossians 3:18-25).
2. What is God revealing about humanity?
One of the key takeaways from our discussion was about humanity's natural state versus our potential in Christ. The passage reveals that humanity, without God, has a natural tendency toward earthly things, selfishness, and idolatry (Colossians 3:5). We are prone to anger, malice, and slander. However, the chapter also reveals a hopeful truth about us. As one member shared, we learn that through Christ, we have the ability and the choice to change. We can put off that old self and put on a new self that is being "renewed to a full knowledge according to the image of the one who created him" (Colossians 3:10). This isn't something we do in our own strength; it's a transformation that God makes possible. Another person pointed out that in Christ, earthly distinctions like Greek or Jew, slave or free, disappear; we are all one and equal in Him (Colossians 3:11). This equality calls us to a universal life of submission and love in all our relationships.
3. What is God revealing about Himself?
Our group spent some time on what this chapter reveals about the character of God. A powerful truth we discussed is that God has an "image," and His desire is to conform us to that very image (Colossians 3:10). All the virtues we are told to "put on"—compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, patience, and forgiveness (Colossians 3:12)—are not arbitrary rules. Instead, they are a reflection of God's own character. He is compassionate, kind, and patient with us, and He is graciously forgiving. He isn't asking us to become something He is not; He is inviting us to become like Him, our Father. We also see both the goodness and severity of God. While He is loving and offers us a new beginning and a fresh start, there is also a warning that "the wrath of God is coming" for those who live in disobedience (Colossians 3:6). He is a God who will judge impartially, rewarding good and punishing evil.
4. How should our lives change?
As we concluded our study, we focused on practical applications. A major theme that emerged was the need to be intentional about what we fill our minds with. The Colossians were filling their minds with the "elementary principles of the world," which was of no value. Paul’s instruction is to instead "let the word of Christ dwell in you richly" (Colossians 3:16). As one participant noted, the only way to be transformed is to have a personal relationship with God where His word becomes central to our thoughts. We must actively swap out our worldly mindset for God's truth. The second key application is to let this new mindset flow out into our actions. We must actively serve other people with kindness and compassion, doing everything "as for the Lord rather than for men" (Colossians 3:23). Whether it’s in our family relationships or in simple daily interactions like holding a door for someone, we should see it as an opportunity to serve Christ Himself, living out the love that binds us all together in perfect harmony.
